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ANNALS, 



T 



COMPEISINQ 



4mms, §nd&nxU m& ^tuti&tu^ 



HARRISBURG. 



THE PERIOD OF ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT. 



FOR THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE. 



COMPILED BT 



OEOHGE H. MORGAN. 



H A R R I S B IJ R G : 

rUBLISHED BY GEO. A. BROOKS 

18 58, 



\ •» » ^ \ 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 185S, by 

George A. Brooks, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern 
District of Pennsylvania. 



(THEO. F, SOHEPFEK, PRINTER, HARRISBURG, 






PKEFACE. 

Says that accomplished and indefatigable annalist, Watson, 
" Our love of antiquities — the contemplation of days hy-gone — 
is an impress of the Deity. It is our hold on immortality. The 
same affection which makes us reach forward and peer into futu- 
rity, prompts us to travel back to the hidden events which trans- 
pired before we existed. We thus feel our share of existence 
prolonged even while we have the pleasure to identify ourselves 
with the scenes or the emotions of our forefathers. For the 
same cause relics are so earnestly sought and sedulously pre- 
served. ' They are full of local impressions/ and transfer the 
mind back to ' scenes before,' " 

The object of this work is to rescue from the ebbing tide of 
oblivion all those forgotten memorials of unpublished facts and 
observations, or reminiscences and traditions, which will serve 
to illustrate the domestic history of Harrisburg, past and pre- 
sent. 

It is designed as a museum of whatever is rare, surprising or 
agreeable concerning the primitive days of our sturdy forefathers, 
or of the subsequent changes by their sons, either in the alter- 
ations or improvements of given localities, or in the modes and 
forms of " changing men and manners " It is a picture of the 
doings and characteristics of a " buried age." By the images 



4 PREFACE. 

whicli their recital creates in the imagination, the ideal pres- 
ence is generated, and we talk and think with " men of other 
days." 

Herein the aged citizen may travel back in memory to the 
scenes and gambols of their sportive boyhood days; and the 
youth of the borough may regale their fancies with recitals as 
novel and marvellous to their wondering minds as the "Arabian 
Tales," even while they have the gratification to commingle in 
idea with the plays and sports of their own once youthful ances- 
tors. The dull, unheeding citizen who writes " nil admirari" 
of the most of things, may here see cause to " wonder that he 
never saw before what the compiler shows him, and that he 
never yet had felt what he impresses." 

To natives of Harrisburg settled in distant lands, these par- 
ticulars concerning the " old homestead" will present the most 
welcome gifts their friends here could oflFer them. 

It is not too romantic to presume that a day is coming, if not 
already arrived, when the memorihilia of Harrisburg, and of 
its primitive inhabitants, so difi'erent from the present, will be 
highly appreciated by all those who can feel intellectual pleasure 
in travelling back through the " vale of years," and conferring 
with the " mighty dead." Such will give their thanks and grat- 
itude to labors as humble as these, for the compiler has not 
aimed to give them that " painted form" which might allure 
by its ornaments of rhetoric ; he has rather repressed the excur- 
sive fancy he sometimes could not but feel. His object has not 
been to say all which could have been adduced on every topic, 
but to gather up the segregated facts in their several cases which 
others had overlooked or disregarded, or to save fugitive facts 



PREFACE. 5 

whicli others bad neglected. In this way lie has chiefly labored 
to furnish the material by which better or more ambitious 
writers could elaborate more formal history, and from which, 
as a repository, our poets and painters, and imaginative au- 
thors could deduce themes for their own and their country's 
glory. Scanty, therefore, as these crude materials may seem 
" fiction" may some day lend its charms to amplify and conse- 
crate FACTS, and " tales of ancient Harrisburg" may be " touched 
by genius and made immortal." 

The materials for the work have been chiefly derived from 
the Archives of the State, County, and Borough offices; Haz- 
zard's Pennsylvania Kegister ; Watson's Annals ; Colonial Re- 
cords; Legislative Documents; Graydon's Memoirs; Rupp's 
History of Dauphin County, &c. ; Day's Historical Recollec- 
tions ; Pennsylvania Gazetteer ; files of old newspapers, and from 
old citizens generally, among whom the compiler is particularly 
indebted to Messrs. Geo. W. Harris, Valentine Hummel, Sr., 
David Harris, Joseph Wallace, George Eicholtz, Robert Gill, 
more, James Peacock, Francis Wyeth, and John Roberts, for 
valuable aid. 



ERRATA. 



Page 34, in the ninth line from the bottom, for "Florster" read 
"Forster." 

Page 61, in the eighth line from the top, for " was," after " Mr. El- 
der," read "succeeded Mr. Bertram as." In the same line and the 
next, for the ■words "when it was first built, about one hundred and 
twenty years ago," read "in 1737." In the line following, omit the 
words "upwards of." And in lieu of the fifteenth, sixteenth, seven- 
teenth and eighteenth lines from the top, read " The first Paxton church 
building was erected about the yea,r 1732. It was constructed of logs 
and stone, chiefly of the former ; and stood a short distince south-west 
of the stone church, (erected between the years 1750 and 1755,) still 
standing, about two and a-half miles from Harrisburg, on the Htimmels- 
town turnpike." 

Page 83, in the seventeenth line from the top, for "Jesse Rowland" 
read "James Lackey." 

Page 85, in the seventh line from the top, for "July" read "Janu- 
ary." On the same page, in lieu of the sentence commencing after the 
word "neighborhood," in the second line from the top, and ending be- 
fore the word "From," in the second line following, read " The courts 
were afterwards held in the old log jail which formerly stood on the 
north-west side of Strawberry alley, a short distance north-east of Ras- 
berry alley, and in a log house which formerly stood on the lot now 
occupied by the "Fai'mers' Hotel," on the east side of Market street, 
near Dewberry alley. 

Page 89, in the eighth line from the bottom, for " the year 1785" 
read "for the years 1785, and those following until 1799, inclusive." 
In the sixth line from the bottom, for "year" read " period." And for 
the two bottom lines, read " The expenditures for the erection of the 
present Court House commenced in 1792, and occur at different periods 
after that until 1799, inclusive. They appear in the book as follows." 

Page 144, in the eighth and ninth lines from the bottom, for " Feb- 
ruary" read "January." 



11 ERBATA. 

Page 145, in the top line, omit the word "foregoing." 

Page 147, in the sixth line from the bottom, for " $490" read " $400." 

Page 151, in the top line, for the words "the river, being" read 
" Sweet Briar alley, in." And in lieu of the sisth and seventh lines 
from the top, read "Under authority of a joint resolution passed by 
the Legislature, April 2, 1821, viewers, headed by Archibald M'Allis- 
ter, were appointed between the commissioners and owners of lots run- 
ning in front of the Capitol to the river, between North and South 
streets, who reported the value of said lots, as held by the owners, to 
be $24,400, whi(3h unexpected estimate caused the project of their pur- 
chase by the State to be abandoned." 

Page 211, in the second line from the bottom, for "Berks" read 
"Lebanon." 

Page 233, in the eleventh line from the top, for "or" read " of." 
In the fourteenth line from the bottom, for " wooding" read " wood." 

Page 234, in the seventh line from the top, between the words " of" 
and "equal" insert the word "nearly." In the tenth line from the 
bottom, after the word " alley," read " to the front wall of the build- 
ing." 

Page 278, in the eighth line from the top, for " In" read " Previous 
to." 

Page 308, in the tenth line from the top, for " eight" read " six." 

Page 328, in the fifteenth line from the top, for "fourteen" read 
"sixteen;" and in the next line below, for "sixteen" read "fourteen." 

Page 324, in the third line from the top, for "M'Marland" read 
"M'Farland;" and in the next line below, for " Carman" read " Can- 
non." 

Page 355, in the eighth line from the top, between the words " The 
Paxton" insert the word "first." In the same line and the next, in 
lieu of the words "still standing about three miles from Harrisburg, 
was erected about the year 1722," read "was erected about the year 
1732." 

Page 357, in the sixth line from the bottom, for the words " who died 
several years ago," read "still living in one of the Western States." 

Page 361, in the eleventh line from the top, for " Hale" read " Hall." 

Page 377, in the seventh line from ihe top, for "David J. Krause" 
read "David G. Krause." 

Page 380, in the seventh line from the top, for "1824" read "1825." 



ANNALS OE HARRISBURG. 



JOHN HARRIS— HIS FIRST SETTLEMENT. 

From authentic records, we learn that John Harris commenced 
a settlement, on the present site of Harrisburg, a short time pre- 
vious to the year 1719. 

Mr. Harris was a native of Yorkshire, England, and appears 
to have been a brewer by profession, as he worked at that busi- 
ness in the city of London. In ^' Watson's Annals" it is stated 
that " he was a middle-aged man when he came to America, 
and was one of the first emigrants with William Penn, at which 
time his entire capital amounted to only sixteen guineas." He 
first settled in the city of Philadelphia; and according to a 
writer in Hazzard's Kegister, " the nucleus of his future wealth 
was formed by a profitable contract he obtained from the au- 
thorities for removing the stumps and opening streets in that 
city." 

During his residence in Philadelphia, Mr. Harris was on inti- 
mate terms with, and enjoyed the friendship and esteem of, Ed- 
ward Shippen, Esq., the first Mayor of that city, and for a long 
time one of the leading members of the Provincial Council. It 
was in this gentleman's family that he first saw and become 
acquainted with his future wife, Esther Say, also a native of 
Yorkshire, who is represented to have been a lady of superior 
intelligence and extraordinary energy. 



8 ANNALS OP IIARRISBURG. 

HARRIS BECOMES AN INDIAN TRADER. 

From Philadelphia, Mr. Harris and his wife moved to Ches- 
ter county ; thence to the neighborhood of the present site of 
Bainbridge, Lancaster county. Being an enterprising man, he 
became an active pioneei', and with the fruit of his industry 
commenced a trade with the Indians, penetrating by degrees 
to the westward until he reached the present site of Harris- 
burg. 

On the 17th of December, 1733, the proprietaries of Penn- 
sylvania granted to John Harris, by patent, three hundred acres 
and allowance of land, extending from what is now the upper 
boundary of the borough of Harrisburg, down the river to a 
black oak somewhere near the termination of Walnut street with 
Front street, and thence back by a line, now the upper line of 
the Messrs. Hamilton's brick-yard, to the rear line, now the line 
of Mrs. Sales' farm. On the same day, December 19, 1733, a 
patent was granted to Joseph Turner for five hundred acres and 
allowance, adjoining the above, and extending down the river 
from the aforesaid black onkjto what is now the division line 
between the lands of the latfi John Mahan and Mrs. Hanna, 
deceased, jextending back fi'om the river, and embracing the 
James Hflrris tract, now the property of A. B. Hamilton. This 
was taken up by John Harris in the name of Joseph Turner, 
no doubt, to comply with certain usages of the Land Office, for 
on the next day (December IS) Joseph Turner conveyed to Ed- 
ward Shippen, who on the next day (December 19) conveyed 
to John Harris. 

Here Mr. Harris deposited his merchandize, and opened a 
profitable commerce with his red neighbors, who at that time 
were very numerous. He gradually acquired the friendship of 
most of these tribes, receiving their peltry and other objects of 
Indian traffic for his ammunition and rum This led to an active 
exchange of commodities, and gradually enabled him to pur- 



^ ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. ^ 

chase the land adjacent to his establishment, and to undertake 
considerable agricultural improvements. 

The majestic Susquehanna, nearly a mile broad, flowed in 
front of his hut, while along its high banks nothing was to te 
seen but one dark mass of woods, reaching to the summit of the 
lofty hills that bounded the view in every direction 

BIRTH OF JOHN HARRIS, JUNIOR. 

In the bosom of this wilderness Mr. Harris' family was located, 
and here was born, about the year 1727, John Harris, the foun- 
der of Harrisburg, who, it is said, was " the first white child 
born in Pennsylvauia west of the Conewago hills who attained 
the age of manhood." 

The son thus born was carried to Philadelphia by his mother 
for the purpose of being baptized; and according to the Parish 
Register of Christ Church, in that city, this event was duly 
solemnized on the 22d day of September, 1728— his age^ at the 
time being 11 months, 

HARRIS' MANSION ON THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

Mr. Harris' first habitation was on the lower bank of the river, 
about one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet below the spot 
where now repose his remains. The foundation walls of this 
house have been seen by some of our oldest citizens. A well, 
dug by Mr. Harris, still exists about one hundred feet east of 
his grave. It was covered over about ten years ago, but its site 
is easily distinguished by a small circular mound of earth. Mr. 
David Harris, a great-grandson of John Harris, states that in 
his early days " this well supplied a large neighborhood with 
water, which was exceedingly cool and pleasant to the taste.'' 

In connection with his mansion-house, he erected a large range 
of sheds, which were sometimes literally filled with skins and 

2 



10 ANNALS OP HARRISBURQ. ^ 

furs, obtained by bim in traffic witb tbe Indians, or stored tbere 
by Indian traders, wbo brought tbem from the western country. 
These skins were carried, at an early day, on pack horses to 
Philadelphia for sale. 

HARRIS CONDEMNED TO BE BURNED— HIS RESCUE. 

In this state of affairs, it happened one day that a number of 
Indians of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo or Shawanese tribe, (most 
probably the latter,) who had been down the river either on a 
predatory or trading expedition, stopped at the house of Mr. 
Harris on their return northward. Most, or all of them, were 
under the influence of liquor, and demanded of Mr. Harris an 
additional supply of lum, meaning West India rum, as the 
modern whiskey was not then manufactured in the Province. 
Perceiving that they were already intoxicated, and fearing mis- 
chief, Mr. H. refused to grant the demand; whereupon they 
became greatly exasperated and dragged him to an adjoining 
mulberry tree, to which they firmly bound him. 

Here they declared their intention to torture and burn him 
alive, and bade him prepare for instant death. Dry wood was 
gathered and piled around his feet, and torches held in readiness 
to kindle it ; the yells of the enraged savages echoed along the 
river shore and through the surrounding forest, while with de- 
moniac gestures they danced around their victim. Death in its 
most cruel form was before him ; and, bereft of hope, he gave 
himself up for lost. In vain he supplicated for mercy, and offered 
to give up everything in exchange for life ; but the savages were 
deaf to his entreaties, and declared he should die. The flaming 
torch was advanced towards the pile, and about being applied, 
when a band of friendly Indians, supposed to have belonged to 
the Paxton tribe, and to have come across the river from either 
the Indian village opposite Harris' residence, or the one situ- 
ated at the mouth of the Candogoguinet creek, burst suddenly 
upon the scene and set him at liberty. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 11 

These Indians were led on by a negro man named " Her- 
cules," a slave belonging to Mr Harris, who at the first alarm 
ran to the neighboring tribe to beg for succor, and now brought 
it to his master's relief. The deliverance was well timed. A 
moment's delay would have been fatal. The presence of mind, 
the decision, the speed of this negro alone saved Mr. Harris ; 
and so sensible was he of the great service rendered to him by 
this poor slave that he instantly emancipated him, and some of 
the descendants of the worthy Hercules still reside in the bor- 
ough, enjoying their freedom, so nobly won, in the bosom of the 
large community who occupy the ground on which the occur- 
rence took place. 

An escape so providential was suited to make a deep and last- 
ing impression on the mind of Mr. Harris. Pious and grateful 
feelings fastened to his heart. It was a signal deliverance ; it 
was a manifest evidence of God's merciful interposition. Struck 
with this conviction — in order to perpetuate the memory of it 
among his own descendants — ^he directed that at his death his 
body should be deposited at the foot of this mulberry tree ; and 
there it lies, with some of his children, a memento at once of 
savage ebriety, domestic fidelity, and above all, of the watchful- 
ness of Him " who alone can inflict or withhold the stroke of 
death." 

The above facts are gathered chiefly from an account of the 
affair written and published in 1828, by Hon. Samuel Breck, at 
that time a State Senator or Representative from Philadelphia. 
Mr. Breck enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with the late Ro- 
bert Harris, Esq., from whom he derived the particulars of the 
incidents as the latter gentleman had received them as part of 
the traditional history of his family. 

Mrs. Bell, a daughter of Mr. Plunket, a native of Ireland, 
who was married to Esther, a daughter of John Harris, Sr., 
made the following statement in relation to this affair to George 



12 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

W. Harris, Esq., in the year 1840, she being then in the eigh- 
tieth year of her age : 

" That in 1766 she was coming from Carlisle, where she lived, 
to Harrisburg, in company with her father and a son of her sis- 
ter. When she came to the river opposite Harrisburg, at the 
Kelso place, where William Harris was then living, some of the 
children pointed out to her old Hercules, who was setting on a 
rock fishing in the river, stating that he had saved the life of 
his master from the Indians. She understood it to he when Mr. 
Harris had been tied to the mulberry tree." 

Mrs. Bell died several years ago at the residence of her rela- 
tive, Dr. Maclay, in Perrysville, Mifflin county. She is repre- 
sented to have been a woman of remarkably good memory, and 
well educated. 

It has been asked by some why the figure of the faithful slave 
Herculas was omitted from the beautiful paintings representing 
this affair. It was done, we believe, at the instance of the late 
Robert Harris, Esq., who furnished the artist with suggestions 
relative to the scenery and grouping of the figures in the pic- 
ture. Mr. H. at this period was disposed to doubt if Herculas 
had been in any manner connected with the afi'air. It is believed, 
however, by some of his children, that when he entertained this 
opinion his memory had become impaired by old age, and had en- 
tirely forgotten the circumstances which induced him to believe 
differently when relating the particulars to Mr. Breck, some 
years previous. 

Under these circumstances, there is no reason for doubting 
the agency of Hercules in preserving his master's life on this 
occasion ; and whenever this story is told, let the virtuous Afri- 
can share largely in our praise and admiration. 

As there has never been any documentary evidence to sub- 
stantiate this exciting episode in the life of Mr. Harris, there 
are some disposed to consider it a myth ; yet we might very pro- 
perly ask, Has there been anything adduced to disprove it ? 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 13 

Tradition may err ; but it strikes us that if it does in this case, 
it would not have remained over one hundred and twenty or 
thirty years without being discovered. 

If any other testimony was needed to prove the love and friend- 
ship the slave Hercules entertained for his master, we might also 
relate that, upon another occasion, he saved the life of Mr. Harris 
from being destroyed by an excited steer, while crossing the river 
on a flat. The truth of this is established beyond doubt. 

BURIAL PLACE OF JOHN HARRIS, Sr. 

Part of the trunk of the mulberry tree to which Mr. Harris 
was tied is still standing. It is ten feet high to the lowest limbs, 
and eleven feet six inches in circumference. There are still 
living those who have seen this tree in bloom, and eaten mul- 
berries from it. The title to the graveyard, to the extent of fif- 
teen feet, is secured by conveyance from the commissioners who 
laid out the town. The deed is recorded in book A, in the Re- 
corder's Office, at Harrisburg, and reads as follows : 

Deed of Conveyance of the Burial Lot. 

This indenture, made the twenty-eighth day of July, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, 
between Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James 
Cowden and William Brown, all of the county of Dauphin, and 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, gentlemen, of the one part, 
and John Harris, of Harrisburg, county and State aforesaid, of 
the other part, witnesseth : That the suid Jacob Awl, Joshua 
Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, in 
consideration of the sum of five shillings, lawful money of Penn- 
sylvania, to them in hand well and truly paid by the said John 
Harris, at and before the execution of these presents, the receipt 
whereof is hereby acknowledged, and from the payment thereof 
the said John Harris, his heirs, executors, administrators, as- 
signs are fully acquitted and forever discharged, have granted. 



14 ANNALS OF HARBISBURG. 

bargained, sold, released, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these 
presents do grant, bargain, sell and release, enfeoff and confirm 
unto him, the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns, a certain 
lot of ground, situate on the common or front street of the town 
of Harrisburg, where John Harris was buried, beginning at a 
mulberry tree on the south-west side of the stone dwelling-house 
of the said John Harris, thence from the said mulberry tree on 
the north side so as to co'ai&in ji/teen feet square, together with 
all and singular the rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments 
and appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in any- 
wise appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder 
and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof, and all the 
estate, right, title, interest, use, possession, claim and demand 
whatsoever, of them, the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew 
Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, of, in and to the 
same, to have and to hold the said lot and premises hereby 
granted or mentioned, or intended so to be, with the appurte- 
nances unto him, the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns, 
to the only proper use, benefit and behoof of him, the said John 
Harris, his heirs and assigns, forever; and the said Jacob Awl, 
Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William 
Brown, for themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators and 
assigns, do covenant, grant and agree, to and with the said John 
Harris, his heirs and assigns, the said described lot of ground, 
hereditaments and appurtenances, against them, the said grant- 
ors, their heirs and assigns, and against all and every other per- 
son and persons lawfully claiming, or to claim by, from or under 
them, or either of them, jointly and severally warrant and for- 
ever defend by these presents. In witness whereof, the parties 
to these presents have interchangeably set their hands and seals 

the day and year first above written. 

JACOB AWL, [seal.] 

[seal.] 
ANDR. STEWART, [seal.] 
JAS. COWDEN, [seal.] 
WM. BROWN, [seal.] 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURQ. 15 

Sealed and delivered in presence 
of us — 

J. MONTaOMEBT, 

John A. Hanna. 

Received, on the day of the date of the above written inden- 
ture, of the therein named, the sum of five shillings, being in 
full for the consideration money therein mentioned by us. 

JACOB AWL, 
JAS. COWDEN, 
WM. BROWN. 
Witness : 

J. Montgomery, 
John A. Hanna. 

Subsequent to this conveyance, the descendants of Harris 
secured from the borough authorities an additional five feet of 
ground, thus making the grave-yard twenty feet square, which 
they surrounded with a handsome iron railing. 

HARRIS' INDIAN NEIGHBORS. 

"When John Harris first settled at Peixtan, as Harrisburg was 
then called, Indian villages were existing near the large stone 
house on the bank of the river, opposite Harrisburg, and at 
the mouth of the Conodoguinet and Yellow Breeches creek. 
There had been one on the low ground along the river, about 
the lower line of the town, and another at the mouth of Pax- 
ton creek, but these are supposed to have been abandoned 
at the time Harris made his settlement. The Indians who 
claimed the soil in this neighborhood were of the Leni Lenape, 
or Delaware nation. 

Day, in his Historical Recollections, says : 

" The Leni Lenape nation was divided into three principal 
divisions — the Unamis, or Turtle tribes, the Unalachtgos, or 
Turkeys, and the Monseys, or Wolf tribes. The two former 
occupied the country between the Atlantic ocean and the Kit- 
tatinny, or Blue mountain, (five miles north of Harrisburg,) 



16 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

tlieir settlements extending as far east as the Hudson, and as 
far west as the Potomac. These were generally known among 
the whites as the Delaware Indians. The Monsejs, or Wolf 
tribes, the most active and warlike of the whole, occupied the 
mountainous country between the Kittatinny mountain and the 
sources of the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers, kindling their 
council fire at the Minisink flats, on the Delaware, above the 
water gap. These three principal divisions were divided into 
various subordinate clans, who assumed names suited to their 
character or situation." 

It is not definitely known what particular clan or tribe was 
located in this section, but it is supposed they were the Assum- 
pinks. 

INDIAN REMAINS. 

Many vestiges of the Indian race have been from time to 
time discovered in and about Harrisburg, in the shape of spear 
and arrow heads, composed of fiint or quartz, stone hatchets, 
pieces of crockery ware, beads, &c. The low ground below the 
town contains a vast number of these relics buried a foot or so 
beneath the surface of the soil. 

A few years ago, while digging the foundation for a new 
house, near the river, at the southern edge of the borough, the 
workmen exhumed a large number of human skeletons, some of 
which were in a remarkable state of preservation. They were 
all found in a sitting posture, with their faces fronting the east, 
from which fact, combined with other circumstances, there can 
be no doubt that they were the remains of Indians, and that 
the spot was the burial place connected with the Indian village 
already alluded to as existing in that vicinity. 

A few years prior to this discovery, similar remains were 
found while digging the foundation for the row of frame build- 
ings belonging to A. J. Jones, Esq., at the corner of Raspberry 
and Blackberry alleys. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 17 



VISIT OF JOHN EVANS, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF PENN- 
SYLVANIA, TO PEIXTAN. 

Peixtan (Harrisburg) is frequently spoken of ia the Colonial 
Kecords. From these we learn that Honorable John Evans, 
Lieut. Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, in company 
with Messrs. John French, William Tonge, Michael Bazallion, 
one Mr. Gray, and four servants, visited Peixtan in June, 1707. 
The following is the journal of this visit : 

"On Tuesday, the 1st July, 1707, we went to Conestoga, 
and lay there that night, and the next morning proceeded on 
our journey, and arrived in the evening within three miles of 
an Indian village called Peixtan. The Governor had received 
information at Pequehan, that one Nicole, a French Indian tra- 
der, was at that place, against whom great complaints had been 
made to the Governor, of which he acquainted the chief Indian 
at Peixtan, as also of his design to seize him, who willingly 
agreed to it ; but advised the Governor to be very cautious in 
the manner, there being only young people at home, who per- 
haps might make some resistance if it were done without their 
being told of it. For this reason we lay short of the village 
that night; but early in the morning we went within a half 
mile of the town, and, leaving our horses, marched afoot near 
the same, from whence the Governor sent Martine to the vil- 
lage, ordering him to tell Nicole that he had brought two kegs 
of rum with him, which he had left in the woods, for fear any 
Christians were there ; and withal to persuade Nicole to go with 
him and taste the rum. Martine returned with James Letort 
and Joseph Jessop, two Indian traders, but could not prevail 
with Nicole. Upon which Martine was sent back, with orders 
to bring down some Indians, and Nicole with them. Then we 
drew nearer to town, and laid ourselves in the bushes ; and 
Martine returned with two Indians, whom the Governor ac- 
quainted with his intention of taking Nicole, telling at the same 

3 



18 ANNALS OP HABRISBURG. 

time that he had spoken with the uncle of one of them upon 
that head, who ordered the Indians to submit to the Governor's 
commands, with which they were contented ; though we per- 
ceived too well the contrary, by their inquiring how many we 
were, and how armed, and the concern they seemed to be in 
when they found we were in more number than they. But still 
Nicole was wanting ; it was therefore resolved to try once more 
if he could be got into the woods. Accordingly, Martine went 
again to the place, and brought Nicole where we lay concealed, 
and asking him to drink a dram, he seized him ; but Nicole 
started from him and run for it, when immediately we started 
out and took him, and presently carried him to the village, 
(Peixtan,) through which we were obliged to pass ; and there 
we found some Indians with guns in their hands, who looked 
much displeased at what we had done; but being in readiness 
against any surprise, they thought it not lit to attempt anything. 
Here we staid about half an hour, and then started for Turpy- 
hocken, [Tulphocken,] having mounted Nicole on a horse and 
tied his legs under the belly ; we got within a mile of Turpy- 
hocken about two of the clock. On Friday morning about 
seven, the Governor went to the town ; from thence we went 
to Manatawney that night, and the next day to Philadelphia." 
It will be perceived by the date of the above incident that 
it transpired about twelve years previous to the time fixed for 
the settlement of John Harris in this vicinity. The village 
(Peixlan) alluded to was evidently the Indian town previously 
mentioned as having existed on the low ground below the site 
of the present borough. 



A CLEARING COMMENCED BY HARRIS, AT THE MOUTH pF 
THE JUNIATA RIVER. 

By the following extract from the Colonial Records, it ap- 
pears that John Harris was desirous of extending his trading 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 19 

operations further westward, and with this view had commenced 
clearing land at the mouth of the Choniata (Juniata) river, 
about 1732 or 1733 : 

"June 19, 1733. 

"At a Council held at Philadelphia, Shickalamy, a chief, by 
Conrad Weiser, as Interpreter, asked whether the Proprietor 
had heard of a letter which he and Sassoonan sent to John 
Harris, to desire him to desist from making a plantation at the 
mouth of the Choniata, where Harris has built a house and 
commenced clearing fields. 

" They were told that Harris had only built that house for 
carrying on his trade; that his plantation, on which he hLS 
houses, barns, &c., at Peixtan, is his place of dwelling, p.nd it 
is not to be supposed he will remove from thence ; that he haJ 
no warrant or order for making a settlement on Choniata. 

" Shekallamy* said that though Harris may have built a house 
for the convenience of his trade, yet he ought not to cle&r 
fields. To this it was answered that Harris had only cler.red 
as much land as would be suflGicient to raise corn for his horses. 
Shekallamy said that he had no ill will to John Harris ; it was 
not his custom to bear ill will ; but he is afraid that the war- 
riors of the Six Nations, when they pass that way, may take it 
ill to see a settlement made on lands which they hc^d always 
desired to be kept free from any person settling upon. He was 
told in answer that care should be taken to give the necessa,ry 
orders in it." 

* "Shekallamy -was an Indian of much consequence among the Five 
Nations. He was the father of the celebrated Logan, It appears he 
was a Cayuga Sachem, and styled by Loskiel, * First Magistrate and 
head Chief of all the Iroquois Indians living on the banks of the Sus- 
quehanna, as far as Onondago.' He died at Shamokin, his residence, 
in 1749. He had been a great friend to Moravian Missionaries." — /. 
D. Rupp's History of Dauphin County. 



iO ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



HARRIS' REAL ESTATE POSSESSIONS. 

George W. Harris, Esq., a great grandson of John Harris, 
relates " that the latter was once offered by the Penns all of the 
land from the western shore of the Susquehanna to Silver 
Spring, and extending across the Cumberland Valley from 
mountain to mountain, for £5,000. He offered £3,500, and 
refused to give more. At his death he owned about 900 acres 
of land, including the present site of Harrisburg ; also 200 acres 
ou the opposite shore, mostly owned by Judge Hummel, and 
including the old ferry-landing and Gen. Simpson's place below 
Yellow Breeches creek, extending to the South mountain, in- 
cluding Shreiner's Island ; and seven or eight hundred acres at 
the mouth of the Conodoguinet creek, on the upper side, once 
the site of an Indian town." 

PRESENCE OF MIND AND BRAVERY OF HARRIS' WIFE. 

The same gentleman also narrates the following anecdotes of 
Esther, the wife of John Harris, which establishes the prompt- 
ness and energetic character of that lady : 

" The mansion house, situated on the river bank, as before 
mentioned, was surrounded by a stockade, for security against 
the Indians. An English officer was one night at the house, 
when by accident the gate of the stockade was left unfastened. 
The officer, clothed in his regimentals, was seated with Mr. 
Harris and his wife at the table. An Indian entered the gate 
of the stockade and thrust his rifle through one of the port- 
holes of the house, and it is supposed pointed it at the officer. 
The night being damp, the gun simiplj Jiashed. Instantly, Mrs. 
Harris blew out the candle, to prevent the Indian aiming a 
second time, and he retreated.'' 

Watson, in his "Annals," alludes to this affair as follows : 

"We hear, says the editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, July 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 21 

20, 1758, from Harris' Ferry, that on Sunday night last, as Mr. 
Harris and some people were sitting in a room, a gun was at- 
tempted to be fired at them through a loop-hole, but luckily it 
happened not to go ofi", upon which the neighborhood was 
alarmed by some guns from the fort, and the nest morning the 
track of an Indian was seen." 

A DANGEROUS CANDLESTICK. 

" It has been observed that John Harris kept articles for 
trade with the Indians. At one period, Mrs. Harris had an 
Irish girl in her employ. On one occasion she was sent up 
stairs for some purpose, and she took with her a piece of lighted 
candle, without a candlestick. The girl soon came down with- 
out the candle, and on Mrs. Harris asking her what she had 
done with it, replied she had stuck it into the barrel of Flax- 
seed. This, however, happened to be a barrel of Poioder! Mrs. 
Harris instantly rose, and without saying a word, for fear of 
alarming the girl, went up stairs, and advancing to the barrel, 
cautiously placed her hands under the candle and lifted it out, 
and then coolly reproved the girl for her carelessness. 

AN INDIAN'S REVENGE. 

" A party of Indians from the Susquehanna, at one time 
went ofi" on a war or predatory excursion against the Southern 
Indians. In the course of the expedition a hostile Indian was 
killed, and one of his relatives determined upon revenge. He 
is said to have come from the Catawba, in South Carolina, He 
came alone, and eventually reached the bank of the river oppo- 
site the present site of Harrisburg. He there secreted himself 
to observe the fording place, and watching an opportunity of 
glutting his revenge. Having observed the ford, below the 
island now owned by General Foster, he one night crossed the 
river, and cautiously approached the Indian town a short dis- 



22 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

tance below. As he advanced, a dog barked, and an aged squaw 
came to the door of one of the wigwams to ascertain the cause 
of the disturbance. The Indian leaped forward, and sinking 
his hatchet into her brain, he drew his knife and scalped her j 
then raising the war-whoop, he ran to the river, leaped into a 
canoe and started for the opposite shore. The town was aroused 
and the warriors gave chase, but though closely pursued, it is 
said he escaped, and bore away in triumph the bloody trophy, 
the evidence of his courage and barbarity." — G. W. Harris, 
Esq. 

WILLIAM PENN'S CITY ON THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

In the year 1690, William Penn issued proposals for a second 
settlement, or city, upon the Susquehanna. Where the pro- 
posed city was to be located, or what was the reason for his re- 
linquishing the plan, is not known; but as the site subsequently 
occupied by Mr. Harris was at that period on the great, and 
indeed the only, highway to Western Pennsylvania, besides 
being the nearest available j^oint for communication with the 
Schuylkill river, which is looked to in the proposals, there is 
every reason to believe that it was the point selected for that 
purpose. 

The following are the proposals, extracted from Hazzard's 
Register, for 1828 : 

"Some Proposals /or a second Settlement in the Province of 
Pennsylvania, 

Whereas, I did, about nine years past, propound the selling 
of several parts or shares of land, upon that side of the Pro- 
vince of Pennsylvania next Delaware river, and setting out of 
a place upon it for the building of a city, by the name of Phila- 
delphia ; and that divers persons closed with those proposals, 
who, by their ingenuity, industry and charge, have advanced 
that city, from a wood, to a good forwardness of building (there 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 28 

being above one thousand houses finished in it) and that thg 
several plantations and towns begun upon the land, bought by 
those first undertakers, are also in a prosperous way of improve- 
ment and inlargement (insomuch as last year ten sail of ships 
were fraighted there, with the growth of the Province for 
Barbados, Jamaica, &c,, besides what came directly for this 
kingdom.) It is now my purpose to make another settlement, 
upon the river of Susquehannagh, that runs into the Bay of 
Chesapeake, and bears about fifty miles west from the river 
Delaware, as appears by the Common Maps of the English Do- 
minion in America. There I design to lay out a plan for the 
building of another City, in the most convenient place for com- 
munication with the former plantations on the Bast : which by 
land, is as good as done already, a way being laid out between 
the two rivers very exactly and conveniently, at least three 
years ago ; and which will not be hard to do by water, by the 
benefit of the river Scoulkill ; for a Branch of that river lies 
near a Branch that runs into Susquehannagh River, and is the 
Common Course of the Indians with their Skins and Furr's into 
our Parts, and to the Provinces of East and West Jersey, and 
New York, from the West and North west parts of the continent 
from whence they bring them. 

And I do also intend that every one who shall be a Purchaser 
in this proposed settlement, shall have a proportionable Lot in 
the said City to build a House or Houses upon ; which Town- 
Ground, and the Shares of Land that shall be bought of me, 
shall be delivered clear of ail Indian Pretentions; for it has 
been ray way from the first, to purchase their title from them, 
and so settle with their consent. 

The Shares I dispose of, contain each. Three Thousand Acres 
for £100, and for greater or lesser quantities after that rate : 
The acre of that Province is according to the Statute of the 
33th of Edw. 1. And no acknowledgement or Quit Bent shall 
be paid by the Purchasers till five years after a settlement be 



24 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

made upon their Lands, and that only according to the quantity 
of acres so taken up and seated, and not otherwise ; and only 
then to pay but one shilling for every hundred acres for ever. 
And further 1 do promise to agree vriih every Purchaser that 
shall be willing to treat with me between this and next spring, 
upon all such reasonable conditions as shall be thought neces- 
sary for their accommodation, intending, if God please, to return 
with what speed I can, and my Family with me, in order to our 
future Residence. 

To conclude, that which particularly recommends this Settle- 
ment, is the known goodness of the soyll and scituation of the 
Land, which is high and not mountainous ; also the Pleasant- 
ness, and Largeness of the River being clear and not rapid, and 
broader than the Thames at London bridge, many miles above 
the Place intended for this Settlement; and runs (as we are 
told by the Indians) quite through the Province, into which 
many fair rivers empty themselves. The sorts of Timber that 
grow there are chiefly oak, ash, chesnut, walnut, cedar, and 
poplar. The native Fruits are pawpaws, grapes, mulbery's, 
chesnuts, and several sorts of walnuts. There are likewise great 
quantities of Deer, and especially Elks, which are much bigger 
than our E,ed Deer, and use that River in Herds. And Fish 
there is of divers sorts, and very large and good, and in great 
plenty. 

But that which recommends both this Settlement in particu- 
lar, and the Province in general, is a late Pattent obtained by 
divers Eminent Lords and Gentlemen for that Land that lies 
north of Pennsylvania up to the 46th Degree and an half, be- 
cause their Traffick and Intercourse will be chiefly through 
Pennsylvania, which lies between that Province and the Sea. 
We have also the comfort of being the Center of all the English 
colonies upon the Continent of America, as they lie from the 
North East parts of New England to the most Southerly parts 
of Carolina, being above 1000 miles upon the Coast. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 25 

If any Persons please to apply themselves to me by letter in 
relation to this affair, they may direct them to Robert Ness, 
Scrivener in Lumber street in London for Philip Ford, and 
suitable answers will be returned by the first opportunity. There 
are also Instructions printed for information of such as intend 
to go, or send servants, or families thither, which way they may 
proceed with most ease and advantage, both here and there, in 
reference to Passage, Goods, Utensels, Building, Husbandry, 
Stock, Subsistence, Traffick, &c. being the effect of their ex- 
pence and experiance that have seen the Fruit of their Labours. 

Wm. Penn." 

"Printed and sold by Andrew Sowle, at the crooked Billet 
in Halloway Lane, Shore Ditch 1690." 

REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

A granddaughter of John Harris, Sr., related that when the 
celebrated preacher, George Whitefield, was passing through 
Pennsylvania, about the year 1740, he remained some time in 
and about Harris' Ferry, and preached repeatedly to the people, 
who flocked from all quairters to hear him. So great was the 
fascination of his eloquence, that many of the people neglected 
the cultivation of their farms, and their fields were left unsown. 
Mr. Harris remonstrated with them, but inefi'ectually ; and the 
consequences of their improvidence were likely to prove serious, 
since not a few, at the end of the season, found themselves in 
want. Seeing their destitute condition, Mr. Harris sent a con- 
siderable quantity of grain to the nearest mill, and gave direc- 
tions that meal should be furnished to any of his poor neighbors 
who might apply for it. Thus were the families of those who 
had not listened to the prudent counsels of Harris saved from 
distress by his liberal kindness. 



20 ANNALS OF HABRISBURG. 



INDIAN VISITORS. 

In Gordon's History of Pennsylvania, mention is made of a 
party of Indians, consisting of twenty-one Onondagoes and 
seven Oneidas, under the command of a Captain of the former 
nation, who arrived at Harris' Ferry in 1742, on an excursion 
against the Tallapoosas, resident in Virginia. They left their 
canoes here, and, procuring a pass or letter of protection from 
a magistrate of Lancaster county, travelled through the Pro- 
vince, obtaining provisions from the inhabitants. 

Harris' Ferry, or Paxton, was often visited by the Indians, 
Agents, &c., for consultation with the Provincial authorities. 
Conrad Weiser, a distinguished Indian Agent, upon one occa- 
sion wrote to the Secretary of the Provincial Council, as fol- 
lows : 

" To Richard Peters, Esq : 

Sir : Last night I arrived here with the Indians, all in good 
health but Canachquasey, the speaker, who took sick by the 
way to my house, and one of the women, but I hope not dan- 
gerously. 

This day I delivered the goods to them, and they are well 
pleased for my adding two half-barrels of powder to the four 
which they were to have. George Croghan was present, and 
he undertook to find men and horses to carry the powder and 
lead, with two casks of liquor with them, to the Ohio. I was 
obliged to allow them the liquor, because they all followed my 
advice, and did not get drunk neither in town (Philadelphia) 
nor by the way. 

Scaiohady, after they had received the goods, spoke to me in 
the following manner : 

' Brother : I am very glad that our brethren in Philadel- 
phia took into their serious consideration what we have said to 
them. The French party is very strong among us, and if we 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 27 

had failed in our journey to Philadelphia, or our expectations 
would not have been granted by our brethren in Philadelphia, 
the Indians would have gone over to the French to a man, and 
would have received presents or supplies from the French, who 
have offered it; but now I hope we have got the better of them. 
Let me desire you to set out early in the spring with the sup- 
plies our brethren have been pleased to promise us, and send 
somebody before you to give us timely notice, that we may meet 
you, for we are scattered up and down the country, and we will 
send three or four men to meet you by the way, and to convey 
you to the place appointed. 

Pray don't miss, and let us, that are for our brethren the 
English, not be ashamed; the French party, who speak now 
under ground, will speak above the ground if you should miss; 
but if you arrive early in the spring, all the Indians will unite 
heartily, and the French party will be brought over to us.' 

Then he spoke to George Croghan and me, who must be 
my guide. I made answer, ' that nothing should be wanting 
that I could do, and if I was alive and well I hoped to see them 
in their country next spring before the grass comes out, or at 
farthest, when they begin to plant their corn.' 

Scaiohady pressed upon me to put the Government in mind 
of what he had said against the traders in rum, that it might 
he suppressed ; 'For the Indians,' said he, 'will drink away all 
they have, and not be able to do anything against the enemy 
for want of ammunition;' and if rightly considered, death, 
without Judge or Jury, to any man that carries rum to sell to 
any Indian town, is the only remedy to prevent that trade ; and 
a just reward to the traders, for nothing else will do. It is an 
abomination before Grod and man, to say nothing of the particu- 
lar consequences. It is altogether hurtful to the public, for 
what little supplies we can give them to carry on the war is not 
half sufficient; they must buy the greatest part with their hunt- 
ing, and if they meet with rum they will buy that before any- 



28 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

thing, and not only drink away their skins, but their clothing, 
and even everything they may get of us ; in short, the incon- 
veniences occasioned by that trade are numerous at this very 
time. The English and French party will fall out in their 
drunkenness, and murder one and another, and the English 
will be charged with the mischief thereof. I must leave off 
before I wear out your patience. 

Sir, your very dutiful, 

CONRAD WEISER. 

P. S. Scaiohady told Shikamy, at my house, very privately, 
that Peter Chartier and his company had accepted of the French 
hatchet, but kept it in their bosom till they could see what in- 
terest they could make in favor of the French." 

DEATH OF JOHN HARRIS, Sr. 

John Harris, Sr., died in 1748, about the month of Decem- 
ber, and was buried where he had directed, under the shade of 
his own memorable tree. The John Harris hereafter mentioned, 
as stated previously, was born in 1727. He was twice married. 
His first wife's name was Elizabeth McClurC; and his second, 
Mary Reed, by both of whom he had children. His second 
wife, Mary, died November G, 1787. 

GRANT OF THE FERRY RIGHT. 

The following is a copy of the original grant to John Harris, 
Jr., of the right to have a ferry over the Susquehanna : 

" Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires, true and abso- 
lute proprietaries and governors in chief of the Province of 
Pennsylvania and Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex 
upon Delaware. To all unto whom these presents shall come, 
greeting : Whereas it hath been represented to us that the 
frequent passing and repassing of people over our river Susque- 
hanna hath made it necessary that ferries should be erected and 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 29 

established at proper places for the ready carrying- over our said 
River, all travellers and other persons whose business and aflfairs 
may call them into these parts of our said province; And it 
being made known to us that the plantation and tract of land 
belonging to John Harris of the County of Lancaster, Yeomen 
lying on the East side of the said lliver Susquehanna in the 
township of Pextang and county aforesaid by means of the con- 
venient situation thereof is a proper place for erecting and keep- 
ing a ferry for that part of our said Province, and the said John 
Harris having requested our license for erecting and maintain- 
ing a ferry over the said river at the place aforesaid, and that 
we would be pleased to grant him the same for a certain term 
of years therein expressed. Now Know Ye, that in conside- 
ration of the charge and expense that must arise on providing 
of necessary flats and boats and constant attendance requisite 
thereunto, We have given granted and confirmed and by these 
presents for us and our heirs, do give grant and confirm unto 
the said John Harris, his executors administrators and assigns 
the sole privilege of keeping and occupying the said ferry over 
the said river at the place aforesaid where a ferry has always 
been kept for the carrying over of all persons, wagons, carts, 
horses and cattle traveling or passing that way, hereby strictly 
forbidding and prohibiting all other persons on either side of the 
said River from carrying over the same within the distance of 
one mile and a quarter above and below the ferry hereby settled 
and established for hire pay or reward in any flat, boat or canoe, 
any persons or travellers, wagons, carts, horses or cattle as afore- 
said : And we do further give and grant unto the said John 
Harris his executors, administrators and assigns during the 
term of this grant to take and receive from all persons passing 
over the said river for themselves, waggons, carts, horses and 
cattle all such reasonable toll fees or reward as hath heretofore 
been accustomed or shall be hereafter settled for the same (Us, 
our heirs and successors and our Lieutenant Governor attendants 



30 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

and servants only excepted), To have and hold the said Ferry 
privileges and profits hereby granted unto the said John Harris 
his Executors administrators and assigns from the first day of 
March next unto the full end and term of seven years from 
thence next ensuing and fully to be complete and ended yield- 
ing and paying for the same yearly unto us our heirs and suc- 
cessors at the town of Lancaster in the said County at or upon 
the first day of March in every year during the said term ten 
English silver shillings or the value thereof in coin current ac- 
cording as the exchange shall then be between our said province 
and the city of London to such person or persons as shall from 
time to time be appointed to receive the same : Provided al- 
ways and these presents are upon this condition and limitation 
that the said John Harris his executors, administrators or as- 
signs shall from time to time and at all times hereafter, during 
the said term continue to keep or cause to be kept a Boat or 
Boats, Scow or Scows in good sufficient repair with good and 
sufficient persons or hands to give attendance for the transport- 
ing, ferrying or carrying over of all passengers, waggons, carts, 
horses and cattle aforesaid according to the true intent and 
meaning hereof otherwise this present grant and every other 
matter and thing contained therein, shall cease determine and 
be void to all intents and purposes whatsoever. 

Witness James Hamilton Esquire Lieutenant Governor of 
the said province who by virtue of Certain Powers and authori- 
ties to him for this purpose inter alia granted by the said pro- 
prietaries, hath hereunto set his hand and caused the great seal 
of the said province to be hereunto affixed at Philadelphia this 
fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and fifty three, the twenty sixth year of the 
reign of King George ye second over Great Britain &c. and ye 
thirty fifth year of ye sd. Proprietaries government." 

JAMES HAMILTON, [l. s.] 

Recorded ye 19th Feb 1753. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 31 



DEATH OF HALF-KING AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

** 

Half-King, also called Tanachrisson, of whom frequent men- 
tion is made in the Colonial Kecords, arrived, sick, at the resi- 
dence of John Harris, Jr., the 1st of October, 1754, and died 
on the night of the 4th following, and was buried with due 
obsequies by Mr. Harris. During the Half King's illness, his 
Indian followers procured a conjurer to ascertain the nature of 
his illness and death, believing that the French had bewitched 
him. 

Immediately after the death of this warrior, Mr, Harris wrote 
the following letter to Governor Hamilton : 

" Paxton Oct. 2, 1754. 
''May it please your honor : 

At the earnest request of Monacatootha, one of the chiefs of 
the Six Nations, I take this opportunity to inform your Honor 
of the death of Half-King, who departed this life last night. 
There are about twenty Indians here who wait to see him buried, 
and then intend for Aughwick immediately; he likewise desired 
that the melancholly news might be forwarded with all possible 
dispatch to his Honor the Governor of Virginia. These Indians 
that are here blame the French for his death, by bewitching 
him, as they had a conjurer to inquire into the cause a few days 
before he died; and it is his opinion, together with his rela- 
tions, that the French had been the cause of this great man's 
death, by reason of his striking them lately, for which they 
seem to threaten immediate revenge, and desired me to let it be 
known. All the Indians that are here are in great trouble, es- 
pecially his relations. I have sent an account to Conrad Wei- 
ser, at Shamokin, this day, who I expect will be down upon 
notice. I humbly presume that his is a very great loss, espe- 
cially at this critical time. 

I am, &c,, 

JOHN HARRIS." 



32 ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 

The Half-King, it appears, was a man of much consequence 
among the Indians, Rupp says that " he had his residence at 
Logg's Town, on the Ohio, fourteen miles trelow Pittsburg, on 
the opposite side. George Washington visited him in 1753, 
and desired him to relate some of the particulars of a journey 
he had shortly before made to the French commandant at Fort 
Duquesne." Monacatootha was also visited by Washington at 
Logg's Town. 

The followers of the Half-King allowed Mr. Harris to bury 
him as he thought proper, which was done much to their satis- 
faction. 

Shortly after this event, Mr. Harris visited Philadelphia, 
where he wrote the following letter to Mr. Peters, Secretary of 
the Provincial Council : 

" Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1754. 

" Sir : On the first of this instant, Monacatootha and several 
others, the chiefs of the Sis Nations, came to my house, and 
brought the Half King and his family along with them, who 
were in general in a very low condition, particularly himself, 
who died in a few days ; after which I asked Monacatootha, and 
others, where they chused to bury him, and in what manner, 
or if they wanted anything necessary for his funeral ? Their 
answer was, that they looked upon him to be like one of our- 
selves, and as he died amongst us, we might bury him as we 
thought proper; that if he was buried well, it would be very 
good ; which I did much to their satisfaction. 

Immediately after, Monacatootha and the chiefs set off for 
Aughwick, leaving the Half-King's family and their relations 
under my care, saying that in a short time there should some 
horses and Indians come down for them, which they had not yet 
done, and I have been at expenses for their provisions, and his 
funeral. My account I shall send down, which I hope you will 
be pleased to lay before the Assembly. I shall continue to give 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 33 

Ms family provisions till they remove, and should be satisfied 
how soon that might be. 

" I conclude, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, 

JOHN HARRIS." 

'' Dec. 17, Post Meridian, 1754, — The Committee of Ac- 
counts reported a balance of ten pounds, fifteen shillings and 
four pence due to the said John Harris for his expenses, and 
five pounds for his trouble, &c., in burying the Half-King, and 
maintaining the sundry Indians that were with him." — Votes 
of Assembli/, 1754. 

It is not known how long Half-King's family remained with 
Mr. Harris. They were still there in December following Half- 
King's death. 

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR— ALARM OF THE SETTLERS. 

The hostilities that were openly declared between the French 
and English in 1744, marked the close of the peaceful era in 
Pennsylvania, and the dark cloud of savage warfare began to 
gather on the western frontier. An alarming crisis was at hand. 
The French, hovering around the lakes, sedulously applied them- 
selves to seduce the Indians from their allegiance to the Eng- 
lish. The Shawanees had already joined them ; the Delawares 
only awaited an opportunity to do so ; and of the-»8ix Nations, 
the Onandagoes, Cayugas and Senecas were wavering. The 
French were fortifying the strong points of the Ohio To keep 
the Indians in favor of the Colony required shrewd diplomacy 
and expensive presents. 

The Indians who joined the French, instigated by their new 
allies, committed many fearful depredations among the peaceful 
settlers, killing and scalping, or carrying off as prisoners, all who 
were so unfortunate as to fall into their hands. The inhabitants 
of Paxton, from their defenceless position, were early alarmed 

5 



* * > H .X 






34 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

at these sanguinary forays, and heartily joined with the neigh- 
boring districts in the following petition to the Governor and 
Council; praying for succor : 

" July 22, 1754. 
" The humble petition of the inhabitants of the townships of 
Paxton, Derry and Hanover, Lancaster county, humbly sheweth : 
that your petitioners, being settled on and near the river Sus- 
quehanna, apprehend themselves in great danger from the French 
and French Indians, as it is in their power several times in the 
year to transport themselves, with ammunition, artillery, and 
every necessary, down the said river; and their conduct of late 
to the neighboring Provinces increases our dread of a speedy 
visit from them, as we are as near and convenient as the Pro- 
vinces already attacked, and are less capable of defending our- 
selves, as we are unprovided with arms and ammunition, and 
unable to purchase them. A great number are warm and active 
in these parts for the defence of themselves and country, were 
they enabled so to do, (although not such a number as would be 
able to withstand the enemy,) we, your petitioners, therefore 
humbly pray that your Honor would take our distressed condi- 
tion into consideration, and make such provision for us as may 
prevent ourselves and families from being destroyed and ruined 
by such a cruel enemy; and your petitioners as in duty will 
ever W^J-ff^nJ^ti/^ 

Thos.-Sssffee*, Jas. Armstrong, John Harris, Thos. Simpson, 
Samuel Simpson, John Carson, David Shields, Wm. M'- 
Mullin, John Cuoit, Wm. Armstrong, Wm. Bell, Jno. 
Daugherty, Jas. Atkin, And. Cochrin, James Reed, Thos. 
Rutherford, T. M' Carter, Wm. Steel, Samuel Hunter, Thos. 
Mayes, James Coler, Henry Remmicks, Richard M'Clure, 
Thos. Dugan, John Johnson, Peter Flemming, Thos. Stur- 
geon, Mathew Taylor, Jeremiah Sturgeon, Thos. King, 
Robert Smith, Adam Reed, Jno. Crawford, Thos. Craw- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 35 

ford, Jno. M'Clure, Thos. Hume, Thos. Steene, Jno. Hume, 
Jno. Creage, Thos. M'CIeur, Wm. M^Cleur, Jno. Rodgers, 
James Peterson, Jno. Young, Ez. Sankey, Jno. Florster, 
Mitchel Graham, Jas. Toalen, Jas. Galbraith, Jas. Campel, 
Eobert Boyd, Jas. Chambers, Robert Armstrong, Jno. Cam- 
pel, Hugh Black, Thos. Black. 
This petition read in Council 6th August, 1754." 

Some of the present citizens of Harrisburg will not fail to 
notice the names of their ancestors in the foreeoinsr list. 



LETTERS FROM JOHN HARRIS, Jr., AND OTHERS, ON THE 
STATE OF THE COUNTRY. 

We extract, in chronological order, from the Colonial Records 
and Archives, the following letters from John Harris and others, 
written in the years 1754-'55-'56, which gives a lively picture 
of the condition of this vicinity during these exciting periods , 

" Paxton Dec. 28 1754 
" Sir — This week Capt. Andrew Montour has made his inte- 
rest so good with my brother Wm. Harris, as to pursuade him 
to go with him to our camp, and he engages that he shall receive 
a Lieutenant's command under him, upon the strength of which, 
and the willingness to serve his king and country, he resolves 
to go. Their company of white men I expect to have completed 
by Monday next, or the day following ; they expect to march 
for Wills' creek by the way of Aughwiek, in order to take a 
number of Indians with them. Some Indians that are here leave 
their families, and set off with them with all cheerfulness ; and 
I'll ensure upon my brother's inclining to go, the young men 
about here inlisted imediately with the small encouragement I 
gave them, which was but my duty, and I hope that this com- 
pany will act their part so well as to be a credit to our River 
3Ien, of which almost the whole consists. It is rumored here 



36 ANNALS OP HABRISBURG. 

that there are now taken prisoners lately at our camp, fifteen 

French Indians. Upon what I hear our Indians at Aughwick 

are to go and determine their fate, either death or Liberty. I 

only mention this, but am not yet certain of the fact. 

[Excuse blunders.] 

Your very humble servant, 

JOHN HARRIS. 
Edward Shippen, Lancaster." 

"PaxtonDcc. 80 1754 
" Sir — I design to-morrow to march with my men raised here 
for Wills' creek by the way of Aughwick. I leave under the 
care of John Harris two Indian families, one of which has been 
at his house since the death of Half King, and has been so 
kindly treated that they don't care to move to Aughwick at this 
cold season, and they may be as cheap maintained here. I or- 
dered John Harris to provide for them after the frugalist man- 
ner. All the men of the aforesaid Indian families go to the 
camp with me cheerfully, and are of the Mingoes, and were at 
the skirmish when Laforce was taken and his men. I expect 
to take a number of Indians along with me from Aughwick to 
the campj where I design to be with them. I'll assure you John 
Harris's kind usage to the Indians this fall has been of much 
service, and ought to be properly recorded. I hope Monaca- 
tootha has before this time left your city on his way for the Six 
Nations. The good accounts from England lately will spirit up 
our Indians much, and I trust have its desired effect. 
I am, sir, your most obed't, humble serv't, 

ANDREW MONTOUR. 
Richard Peters, Esq." 

Conrad Weiser, at the request of Grovernor Morris, came to 
this place in August, 1755, where he found " Little" or " Old 
Belt," and " Seneca George," both noted Indian warriors. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 37 



INDIAN MASSACRES AT MAHANOY CREEK. 

On the 15th of October, 1755, a party of hostile Indians fell 
upon the inhabitants at Mahanoy, or Penn's creek. Union coun- 
ty, and killed and carried off about twenty-five persons, besides 
burning their buildings and improvements. 

LETTERS FROM JOHN HARRIS IN REFERENCE TO THE 
MASSACRE. 

"Paxton Oct. 20, 1755. 
^^May it please your honor : 

I was informed last night by a person that came down our 
river that there was a dutch (German) woman who made her 
escape to George Gabriels, and informs us that last Friday 
evening, on her way home from this settlement, on Mahahony, 
or Penn's creek, where her family lived, she called at a neigh- 
bor's house, and saw two persons lying at the door of said house 
murdered and scalped ; and there were some Dutch (German) 
families that lived near their places, imediately left not think- 
ing it safe to stay any longer. It is the opinion of the people 
up the river that the families on Penn's creek being scattered, 
that but few in number are killed or carried off, except the 
above said women, the certainty of which will soon be known, 
as there are some men gone out to bury the dead. 

By report this evening I was likewise informed by the belt of 
wampum, and these Indians here, there were seen near Shamo- 
kin about six days ago, two French Indians of the Canawago 
tribe. I a little doubted the truth of the report at first ; but 
the Indians have seemed so afraid that they dispatched messen- 
gers imediately to the mountains above my house to bring in 
some of their women that were gathering chestnuts for fear of 
their being killed. 

By a person just arrived down our river, brought information 



38 ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 

of two men being murdered within five miles of George Gra- 
briels, and it is imagined that all the inhabitants on Penn's 
creek and Little Mahanoy are killed or carried ofi", as most of 
them live much higher up, where the first murder was discov- 
ered. The Indian warriors here send you these two strings of 
white wampum and the women the black one, both requesting 
that you will lay by all your council pipes, immediately, and 
open all your eyes and ears, and view your slain people in this 
land, and to put a stop to it imediately, and come to this place 
to our assistance without any delay ; and the belt of wampum 
particularly mentions that the proprietors and your honor would 
imediately act in defence of their country, as the old chain of 
friendship now is broken by several nations of Indians, and it 
seems to be such as they never expected to see or hear of. Any 
delay on our acting vigorously now at this time would be the 
loss of all Indian interest, and perhaps our ruin in these parts. 
I am your Honor's 

Most obed't ser't 

JOHN HARRIS. 

P. S. I shall endeavor to get a number of my neighbors to 
go out as far as the murder has been committed; and perhaps 
to Shamokin to know the minds of the Indians, and their opin- 
ions of these times; and to get what intelligence I can from 
them, and to encourage some of their young men to scout about, 
back of the frontiers, to give us notice of the enemy's approach, 
if possible, at any time hereafter. I heartilly wish your honor 
and the Assembly would please to agree on some method at this 
time towards protecting this province, as this part of it seems 
actually in danger now; for should but a company of Indians 
come and murder but a few families hereabouts, which is daily 
expected, the situation we are in would oblige numbers to aban- 
don their plantations, and our cattle and provisions, which we 
have a plenty of, must then fall a prey to the enemy. 

Our Indians here seem much discouraged at the large n«m« 



ANNALS OF HABRISBURG. 39 

bers of families passing here every clay on account of the late 
murders on the Potomack, and will be much more so if it should 
happen to be our case. There were two Indian women set out 
from here two days ago for the Ohio, to bring some of their re- 
lations (as they say) down here ; and should the French, or 
their Indians hear by them, as they will be enquiring for news, 
the effect that their late murders has had among our inhabitants, 
it will be a matter of encouragement to them. 
I conclude your honor's 

Most obed't and most humble ser't 

JOHN HARRIS." 

" Paxton October 28, 1755. 
"Tb RicJiard Peters: 

Sir : I received your letter, and shall observe the contents. 
There is melancholy news, concerning which I have written to 
his Honor, the Governor. If there were encouragement for 
1000 or 1500 men to meet the enemy and build a fort some 
place up the Susquehanna, I imagine a number of men will go 
at their own expense to assist. 

I am sir your humble serv't 

JOHN HARRIS. 

P. S. I shall endeavor to keep out a number of Mohawks, 
that are here, as spies. The "Belt" promised to send out 
some ; but it was our river Indians, and some scouts from the 
French army, attacked us at Mr. Penn's creek. 

Yours, J. H, 



EXPEDITION OF THE PAXTONIANS TO MAHANOY CREEK. 

On the 23d of October following this massacre, upwards of 
forty of the inhabitants of Paxton went to Mahanoy, or Penn's 
creek, for the purpose of inquiry and burying the dead. The 



40 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

following declaration, from one of the party, gives the result of 
the expedition : 

"I and Thomas Forster, Esq., Mr. Harris, and Mr. McKee, 
with upwards of forty men, went to Capt. McKee at New Pro- 
vidence, in order to bury the dead, lately murdered on Maha- 
hony creek; but understanding the corpses were buried, we 
then determined to return imediately home. But being urged 
by John Sekalamy and the " Old Belt" to go up to see the In 
dians at Shamokin and know their minds, we went on the 24th, 
and staid there all night — and in the night I heard some Dela- 
wares talking — about twelve in number — to this purpose : 

''What are the English came here for?" Says another, "To 
kill us, I suppose." " Can we not then send off some of our 
nimble young men to give our friends notice that can soon be 
here ?" They soon after sang the war song, and four Indians 
went off, in two canoes, well armed — the one canoe went down 
the river, and the other across. 

On the morning of the 25th, we took our leave of the In- 
dians, and set off homewards, and were advised to go down the 
East side of the river, but fearing that a snare might be laid 
on that side, we marched off peaceably on the west side, having 
behaved in the most civil and friendly manner towards them 
while with them ; and when we came to the mouth of Mahanoy 
creek, we were fired on by a good number of Indians that lay 
among the bushes ; on which we were obliged to retreat, with 
the loss of several men ; the particular number I cannot exactly 
mention ; but I am positive that I saw four fall, and one man 
struck with a tomyhawk on the head in his flight across the 
river. As I understand the Delaware tongue, I heard several 
of the Indians that were engaged against us speak a good many 
words in that tongue during the action. 

ADAM TERRANCE." 

" The above declaration was attested by the author's voluntary 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 41 

qualification, no magistrate being present, at Paxton, this 26tli 
day of October, 1755, before us. 

Jno. Elder, Thos. McArthur, Michael Graham, Alex. Mc- 

Clure, Michael Teass, Wm. Harris, Thos. Black, Sam'l 

liennis, Samuel Pearson, Wm. McClure, 

N. B. Of all our people that were in the action, there are 
but nine that are yet returned. " 

THE INDIANS ADVANCING, 

Heidelburg Oct. 26, at 11 o'clock night 1755. 
Mr. Jas. Reed — Loving Friend : 

About one hour ago I recived the news of the enemy having 
crossed the Susquehanna, and killed a great many people from 
Thos. M'Kee's down to Hunter's Mills. 

Mr. Elder, the minister at Paxtou, wrote to another Pres- 
byterian minister, in the neighborhood of Adam Reed, Esq 
The people were then in a meeting, and imediately designed to 
get themselves in readiness to oppose the enemy, and lend as- 
sistance to their neighbors. * * * 

Yours 

CONRAD WEISER." 

JOHN HARRIS TAKES THE FIELD. 

On the 28th of October, 1755, John Harris wrote the follow- 
ing letter to Governor Morris : 

'' Paxton Oct. 28, 1755. 
''May it please your Honor : 

This is to acquaint you that on the 24th of October, I arrived 
at Shamokin, in order to protect our frontiers (people ?) up that 
way till they might make their escape from their cruel enemies ; 
and learn the best intelligence I could. 

The Indians on the West branch of the Susquehannah cer- 

6 



42. ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

tainly killed our inhabitants on Penn's creek ; and there are a 
hatchet and two English scalps sent by them up the North 
Branch, to desire them to strike with them, if they are men. 

The Indians are all assembling themselves at Shamokin to 
counsel ; a large body of them was there four days ago. I can- 
not learn their intentions ; but it seems Andrew Montour and 
Mona-ca-too-tha are to bring down the news from theiu. There 
is not a sufficient number of them to oppose the enemy ; and 
perhaps they will join the enemy against us. There is no de- 
pendence on Indians ; and we are in imminent danger. 

I got certain information from Andrew Montour and others, 
that there is a body of French with fifteen hundred Indians, 
coming upon us. Picks, Ottaways, Onandox, Delawares, Shaw- 
anese, and a number of the Six Nations ; and are now not many 
days march from this Province and Virginia, which are ap- 
pointed to be attacked; at the same time some of the Shamokin 
Indians seem friendly, and others appear like enemies. 

Montour knew many days ago of the enemy being on their 
march against us, before he informed ; for which I said as much 
to him as I thought prudent, considering the place I was in. 

On the 25th inst., on my return with about forty men, we 
were attacked by twenty or thirty Indians — received their fire, 
and about fifteen of our men and myself took to the trees, at- 
tacked the villians and killed four upon the spot, and lost but 
three more — retreating about half a mile through the woods, 
and crossing the Susquehanna, one of whom was shot oft" an 
horse riding behind myself, through the river. My horse was 
wounded, and failing in the river, I was obliged to quit him, 
and swim part of the way. 

Four or five of our men were drowned crossing the river. I 
hope our journey, though with fatigue, and loss of our substance, 
and some of our lives, will be of service to our country, by dis- 
covering our enemy, who will be our ruin if not timely pre- 
vented. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 43 

I just now received information that there was a French offi- 
cer, supposed Captain, with a party of Shawanese, Delawares, 
&c., within six miles of Shamokin, ten days ago; and no doubt 
intends taking possession of it, which will be a dreadful conse- 
quence to us, if suffered. Therefore I thought proper to dis- 
patch this message to inform your honor. The Indians here, I 
hope your Honor, will be pleased to cause them to be removed to 
some place, as I do [not] like their company ; and as the men 
of those here were not against us, yet did them no harm, or else 
I would have them all cut off. Belt (Indian so called) promised 
at Shamokin, to send out spies to view the enemy, and upon 
hearing of our skirmishes. Old Belt was in a rage, gathered up 
thirty Indians immediately and went in pursuit of the enemy, 
as I am this day informed. 

I expect Montour and Mona-ca-too-tha down here this week, 
with the determination of their Shamokin Council. The in- 
habitants are abandoning their plantations, and we are in a 

dreadful situation. I am, &c., 

JOHN HARRIS. 

P. S. The night ensuing our attack the Indians burnt all 

George Gabriel's houses— danced around them." 

JOHN HARRIS AND HIS FAMILY THREATENED WITH DEATH. 

" Paxton, Oct. 29, 1755. 
"Edward Shippen, Usq. : 

Sir : We expect the enemy upon us every day, and the in- 
habitants are abandoning their plantations, being greatly dis- 
couraged at the approach of such a number of cruel savages, 
and no present sign of assistance. I had a certain account of 
fifteen hundred French and Indians being on their march against 
us and Virginia, and now close upon our borders ; their scouts 
scalping our families on our frontiers daily. Andrew Montour 
and others at Shamokin desired me to take care, that there was 
a party of forty Indians out many days, and intended to burn 



44 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

my liouse and destroy myself and family. I have this day cut 
loop-holes in my house, and am determined to hold out to the 
last extremity if I can get some men to stand by me. But few 
can be had at present, as every one is in fear of his own family 
being cut off every hour. Great part of the Susquehanna In- 
dians are no doubt actually in the French interest, and I am 
informed that a French officer is expected at Shamokin this 
week with a party of Delawares and Shawanese, no doubt to 
take possession of our river. We should raise men imediately 
to build a fort up the river to take possession, and to induce 
some Indians to join us. We ought also to insist on the In- 
dians to declare for or against us, and as soon as we are prepared 
for them we should hid up their scalps, and keep our woods full 
of our people upon the scout, else they will ruin our province ; 
for they are a dreadful enemy. I have sent out two Indian 
spies to Shamokin; they are Mohawks. 

Sir; Yours, &c,, 

JOHN HAERIS." 

The defences which Mr. Harris constructed around his dwell- 
ing at this time, are thus noticed by Edward Shippen, in a let- 
ter to Governor Morris : 

"John Harris has built an excellent stockade ai'ound his 
house, which is the only place of security that way for the pro- 
visions of the army, he having much good celler room; and as 
he has but six or seven men to guard it, if the Government 
would order six more men there to strengthen it, it would in my 
opinion be of great use to the cause." 

The late Robert Harris saw the remains of this stockade when 
he was young. 

ADDRESS FROM THE SETTLERS. 

In October, 1755, the enemy was in the neighborhood of 
Shamokin in considerable force, and in the month following, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBUBG. 45 

murdered a number of settlers, upon which the people of Pax- 
toa published the following address to the inhabitants of the 
Province : 

" John Harris', 12 o'clock p. m., 
Oct. 31st, 1755. 
^'To all his Majesti/'s subjects in the Province of Pennsylvajiia, 
or elseiohere : 
Whereas, Andrew Montour, Belt of Wampum, two Mo- 
hawks, and other Indians came down this day from Shamokin, 
who say the whole body of Indians, or the greatest part of 
them, in the French interest is actually encamped this side of 
George Gabriels [thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the west 
side of the river] near Susquehanah, and that we may expect 
an attack in three days at farthest; and a French fort to be 
begun at Shamokin in ten days hence. Tho' this be the Indian 
report, we, the subscribers, do give it as our advice to repair 
immediately to the frontiers with all our forces to intercept their 
passage into our country, and to be prepared in the best manner 
possible for the worst event. 
Witness our hands : 

James Galbraith, Jno. Allison, Barney Hughes, Robert 
Wallace, John Harris, Jas. Pollock, Jas. Anderson, 
William Work, Patrick Henry. 

P. S. They positively affirm that the above named Indians 
discovered a party of the enemy at Thos. McKee's upper place 
on the 30th of October last. 

Mona-ca-too-tha, the Belt, and other Indians here insist upon 

Mr. Weiser coming immediately to John Harris', and his men, 

and to council with the Indians. 

Before me, 

JAS. GALBRAITH." 

Mr. Hamilton informed the Provincial Council that " in No- 
vember, 1755, he was at John Harris', and found the people 



46 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

collected there in the utmost confusion, and in continual fear of 
being fallen upon by the French and Indians." Houses that 
had been occupied, barns filled with the fruits of a rich and 
plentiful harvest, newly sowed fields, and standing corn, were all 
abandoned by the hardy and industrious frontier settlers. 

'' In December, 1755, John Harris, Jr., of Paxton township, 
in consequence of instructions from George Croghan, continued 
a guard of thirty-two men upon the frontiers of said township 
for the space of eighteen days." — Votes of As&emhly. 

COUNCIL WITH THE INDIANS AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

On the 8th of January, 1756, a council with the Indians was 
held at the house of John Harris, Jr., in Paxton, composed of 
Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Governor, James Hamilton, Rich- 
ard Peters, Secretary, Joseph Fox, and Conrad Weiser, Inter- 
preter ; two Indians of the Six Nations, called " The Belt of 
Wampum," a Seneca, and the " Broken Thigh," a Mohawk. 

The Governor addressed the two Indians as follows : 

" Brethren : I am glad to see you and your families in good 
health. You have ever been esteemed our hearty friends, and 
you show you are really so by residing among us at a time when 
so much mischief is done on every side of the Province. 

I sent Mr. Weiser to acquaint you that I had kindled a coun- 
cil fire here, and had invited the Indians on Susquehannah to 
meet me the beginning of this moon, and that I expected you 
would stay here till I should come, and afford me your assist- 
ance in council. 

I thank you for staying here. You see that, agreeable to my 
message, I come at the time appointed ; but I find no other 
Indians here than you two, and indeed I expect no more, as I 
believe my messengers were prevented going to Wyomink by 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 47 

the ravages of the Indians, which began in their neighborhood 
at the time they were preparing to set out on their journey. 

The public business requires my presence at Carlisle, where I 
am now going, and I invite you to go along with me. If you 
incline to take any of your families with you, I shall readily 
agree to it, and provide a carriage for them and you." 

To this "The Belt" replied: 

" Brethren : I thank you for sending for us to council, and 
for your kind speech. What you have said is very agreeable. 

Brethren : The sky is dark all around us. The mischief done 
to you I consider as done to the Six Nations, and I am sorry for 
what has happened, and heartily condole with you upon it; but 
be not disheartened. As the public business is committed to 
you, nothing should be suffered to lie on your minds that might 
in anywise impair your judgment, which is now more necessary 
than ever. Let me therefore, by this string, intreat you to put 
away all grief from your heart, and to dry up your tears, that 
you may think and see clearly when you come to council. 

I accept your invitation, and shall follow you to Carlisle." 

Gave a string. 

At the time this council was held there appears to have been 
but a single house, and few conveniences at Harris' Ferry, and 
'' Mr. Weiser was asked if it might not be better to hold it at 
Carlisle, where all the business of that county could be done at 
the same time, and proper entertainment provided, as well for 
the Governor and his company as for the Indians, should they 
prove numerous " They then went to Carlisle. 

THREATENED MURDER OF THE FRIENDLY INDIANS AT 
HARRIS' FERRY. 

Conrad Weiser, in a letter to Governor Morris, dated January 
29, 175G, says : " On the 31st of last month, one James Young 



48 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

came over from Tobias Hendricks', and told me privately, in the 
presence of John Harris, that above fifteen men with arms came 
that day to Tobias Hendricks', in order to come to this side of 
the river to hill the Indians at John Harris' , judging them of 
being guilty or privy to the murder committed in Shearman's 
valley a few days ago ; and that he had much ado to stop them, 
and desired me to take all the care I possibly could. I took for 
granted what they said, and sent immediately an express to bring 
the Indians that remained in Carlisle, since the last treaty, away 
to Harris' Ferry." 

The treaty alluded to was held at Carlisle, in January, 175G, 
where it was left to the Indians' choice till a fort had been 
erected at Shamokin, to reside at one or other of the forts then 
building, or at Harris' Ferry or Conestoga Manor. They chose 
Harris' Ferry. 

THE GOVERNOR AGAIN AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

After the adjournment of the Assembly, in April, 1756, Gov- 
ernor Morris again visited Harris' Ferry, and in the early part 
of May issued a message summoning the members of Assembly 
to convene at Philadelphia. He also signed several bills here, 
and "affixed the great seal of the Province to the transcribed 
copies thereof." 

In concluding his message to the Assembly, dated Harris' 
Ferry, May 23, 1756, he says: "I propose to leave this place 
to-morrow, or on Tuesday at farthest, and hope to be with you 
by the time you can have any business prepared to lay before 
me." 

THE ENEMY INVADE PAXTON, 

The storm of Indian warfare which had been so long raging 
in the neighboring districts, at length spread into the settle- 
ments of Paxton and adjoining townships. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 49 

" The first assault," says Rupp, "was upon a wagon belonging 
to a German, in whicli he was endeavoring to move oiF; but 
being killed a small distance behind the wagon, those with the 
wagon fled to a fort not far distant. The men at the fort being 
alarmed at the report of the Indians' guns, came to see the oc- 
casion of it, and met a woman running towards them, crying; 
they proceeded to where the wagon stood, and at some distance 
behind laid the man, tomahawked and scalped, and the brains 
issuing from the wounds, although he was still breathing." 

Murders in Paxton and Derry townships appear to have been 
an every-day occurrence in August, 1756 : 

" Derry Tp., 9th Aug., 1756. 
Sir : There is nothing but bad news every day. Last week 
there were two soldiers killed and one wounded, about two miles 
from Manada fort; and two of the guards that escorted the 
batteaux were killed. * * We shall all be broken in upon 
in these parts. The people are going off daily, leaving almost 
their all behind them. * * * * 

JAMES GALBRAITH. 
Ed. Shippen, Esq." 

" Derry Tp., 10th Aug., 1756. 
Honored Sir : There is nothiog here almost every day but 
murder committed by the Indians in some part or other. About 
five miles above me, at Manada Gap, there were two of the 
Province soldiers killed, one wounded. * * 

Yours, 

JAMES GALBRAITH. 

P. S. I am in want of the pistols." 

The names of some of those murdered and abducted in Pax- 
ton, Derry and Hanover townships, are given in the Pennsyl- 
vania Gazette of 1755, and are as follows : 

Elizabeth Gallway, Henry Gibson, Robert Peer, Wm, Berry- 

■ 7 



50 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

hill, and David McClelland ; Beatty, Flemming's son, and one 
Hicks, James Mackey, murdered. A son of James Mackey, a 
son of Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey and her child, the wife 
of Samuel Young and her child, John Martin's wife and five 
children, William Gallway's wife and two children, and a young 
woman ; Chas. Stewart's wife and two children, David McClel- 
land's wife and two children, and Wm. Flemming and wife were 
taken prisoners. 

"Aug. 19, 1757. — Fourteen people killed and taken frOm 
Mr. Cinky's congregation, and one man killed near Harris' 
Ferry." 

The Colonial Kecords and Archives contain numerous letters 
from Paxton, written at this period, giving accounts of Indian 
massacres in this neighborhood. 

Estherton, the present country seat of Judge Hiester, and 
Fort Hunter, the present residence of J. C. McAllister, Esq., 
both a short distance above Harrisburg, were important posts 
of rendezvous for the early settlers. 



CONTEMPLATED MASSACRE AT PAXTON CHURCH. 

"A party of hostile Indians had came down the river to 
murder the people of Paxton. They formed a camp in the 
thicket back of Elder's mill dam. They designed falling on 
the people when at worship in Paxton church. They are sup- 
posed to have come on Monday, and after waiting several days 
they came to the conclusion that the congregation would not 
assemble, and they went off. They left the settlement by the 
way of Indiantown Gap. On their way off they murdered sev- 
eral persons and took a prisoner, from whom it was afterwards 
ascertained that they had been encamped here for several days. 
The people of this congregation, before and afterwards, came to 



igA^CSi-Ad 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 51 

the churcli armed ; and Mr. Elder, the pastor, also carried his 
gun into the pulpit." — G. W. Harris, Esq. 

The above incident is mentioned in '^Webster's History of 
the Presbyterian Church" as having occurred in 1756. The 
same authority also states that in 1757 an attack was actually 
made on the settlers as they were leaving the church, two or 
three of whom were killed. '^ ^ ^ \ 'I % I 

Mr. Elder .was. pastor of the above church when it was -first 
4Mitlt,' abT)ut~12^ -years-.ago,, and preached to that congregation 
and in the Derry church upKi«ds.,Qf 60 years. He was a colonel 
of the Paxton Eangers, whose duty it was to keep a look out 
for the Indians, and range the settlements for their protection, 
from the Blue Mountain to the river. He died at the advanced 
age of eighty-six, in 1792, on his farm near Harrisburg. 

Paxton Church is still standing, about two and a half miles 
from Harrisburg, near the Ilummelstown turnpike, and many 
of the descendants of the early settlers still continue to worship 
there. 

ANOTHER INDIAN COUNCIL AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

"A meeting of the Six Nations and their Allies, and George 
Croghan, Esq., Deputy Agent to the Hon. Sir William John- 
son, Baronet, His Majesty's sole Agent and Superintendent of 
the Six Nations, their allies and their dependents, was held by 
special order at John Harris', the 1st day of April, 1757. 
Present— The Rev. John Elder, Capt. Thos. M'Kee, Mr. Jas. 
Armstrong, Mr. Hugh Crawford, Mr. John Harris, Wm. Pen- 
trup, Interpreter, and warriors from the Mohawks, Oneidas, Tus- 
caroras, Onondagoes, Nanticokes, Cayugas, Delawares, Senecas, 
and Conestogoes, with their women and children." 

Before this conference had concluded, the council fire was 
removed to Lancaster, where the remainder of its business was 
transacted. 



52 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



ORIGINAL LETTERS OF JOHN HARRIS, Jr. 

The following letters are copied verbatim et literatim from 
the original, in the hand-writing of John Harris, Jr., now in 
the possession of his grandson, David Harris, Esq. : 

'■'■ Paxton April 30, 1757. 
Sir : I sent you Butter with * * * Hambright last 
Command w'ch I hope you Received safe. I shall Endeavor to 
Procure another Crock for you against next trip. I forwarded 
all the Letters you sent me by * * * to Lancaster Imme- 
diately & Capt'n M'Kee was going to Philada. from there, & 
took them with him, so that there was not the Least Delay. 
Mr. West wrote me this week that there was an English Packet 
arrived at Antigua w'ch left Spithead the 26th Feb'ry. * * 
& that there was laying there 200 Transports, Storeships, &c, 
with 16 Sail of the Line Commanded by Admiral Knowles, 
which were to sail in a few Days for North America (God send 
them a Quick & Safe Passage) there is actually arrived at Ft. 
Cumberland 126 Catawba warriers & 50 or 60 other Indians & 
a number more Expected who seems Hearty in our Cause. I 
Expect they'll pay our Cruel Enemys in their own Coin this 
Sumer I am sir in Hase your most obed't Humble Serv't 

JOHN HARRIS. 

To Major James Burd att Fort Augusta." 

" Paxton Nov'r 15, 1757. 
"Z>r. Sr: 

I am Just arrived from Philada. No News of Importance, 
the Troops from the Northwerd are Part arrived in Philada., 
such as are to be Quartered there this Winter, & three Compa- 
nys if not more of the first Battalliou of Ye Eoyal American 
Riegement from Carlisle is to Pass here Nest thursday, on their 
way to Winter Quarters in Philada., the 2nd Battallion is to 
soon follow & Remain at Lancaster, Excepting some who is by 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 53 

the General lieport, to be at York, Reading, &o, this Winter. 
We have acco'ts of our Grand English Fleet Sailing in Sep- 
tember last on a Secret Expedition, & good accounts soon Ex- 
pected from them. No Battles Lately in Europe Except Skir- 
mishing between us, the French, Prusians, Austrians, Rusians, 
&c, tho' its currently Reported Generally Believed that ab't 
Seventy thousand Turks is actually on their IMarch against the 
Queen of Hungary, & a Larger Army of Turks & Tarters is 
also marching against the Russians, to make a Diversion on the 
side of Prussia. Good accounts is also Expected from his Prus- 
sian Majesty, tho' his Enemy is numerous on all sides the 
French seems to be yet to strong for the Duke in Hanover but 
considering the Numbers Greater Strokes might have been Ex- 
pected from them. We have been Tollerably Quiet en all the 
Frontiers this Long time (from Indian Incursions) the Barracks 
in Philada. in Great Forwardness, I am sir your most obed't 

Humble Serv't 

JOHN HARRIS. 

P. S. Mrs. Shippen & Mrs. Burd and family's well yester- 
day. I am sr. &c., J. H. 
To Major James Burd at Fort Augusta." 

THE PAXTONIANS RETALIATE. 

The constant scenes of warfare infused a military and adven- 
turous spirit into the young men of this vicinity incompatible 
with the quiet habits of agricultural life, and we find them, in 
time of peace, roaming through the mountain wilds as traders, 
or seeking out rich lands yet unpurchased from the Indians; 
and in time of war or frontier disturbance, they were ranging 
the border, watching the movements of the Indians, cutting off 
occasional parties, and breaking up their haunts, l^eing beyond 
the reach of the laws of the Province, as well as beyond the 
protection of the lower counties, the Paxton men were under 



54 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

tlie necessity of protecting themselves^ and were governed by 
usages of their own. Many of their families, as we have shown, 
had suffered by the tomahawk, and it was suspected by them 
that the hostile Indians were harbored, if not encouraged, by 
the friendly Indians at Conestoga, and among the Moravians. 
A deadly animosity was thus raised among the Paxton men 
against all of Indian blood, and it was during the height of this 
feeling that the bloody and unjustifiable massacre was perpetra- 
ted at Conestoga. 

The following, from " Day's Historical Fiecollections," com- 
bines the substance of the several conflicting statements in re- 
gard to this massacre : 

" On the night of the 14th December, 1763, a number of 
armed and mounted men from the townships of Paxton and 
Donegal, most of them belonging to the company of frontier 
rangers of those townships, concerted an attack on the Indians 
at Conestoga, Lancaster county, for the purpose, as they alleged, 
of securing one or more hostile Indians who were harbored there, 
and who were supposed to have recently murdered several fam- 
ilies of whites. The number of the Paxton men is variously 
estimated from twenty to upwards of fifty. Few of the Indians 
were at home, the men probably being absent either in hunting 
or trading their baskets at Lancaster. In the dead of night the 
white men fell upon the village. Some defence was doubtleijs 
attempted by the few male Indians present, (Dr. Franklin's nar- 
rative says there were only three men, two women and a young 
boy,) but they were overpowered, and the whole, men, women 
and children, fell victims to the rifle, the tomahawk, and the 
knife of the frontier men. The dwellings were burned to the 
ground 

The citizens and magistrates of Lancaster, shocked at the hor- 
rible outrage, with commendable humanity gathered the scat- 
tered individuals of the tribe who remained, into the stone work- 
house at Lancaster, where, under bolts and bars, and the strict 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 55 

supervision of the keeper, they could not doubt but the Indians 
would be safe until they could bo conveyed to Philadelphia for 
more secure protection. 

But the Paxton men were satisfied with nothing short of the 
extermination of the tribe, alleging, however, that one or two of 
the hostile Indians were still among the Indians protected by 
the civil authority at Lancaster, Concealing themselves at night 
near Lancaster, they waited until the next day, (27th Decem- 
ber,) when the whole community was engaged in the solemni- 
ties of the sanctuary ; then, riding suddenly into town in a 
gallop, the band seized upon the keeper of the work-house and 
overpowered him, and rushing into the prison, the work of death 
was speedily accomplished. The poor Indians, about fourteen 
in number, were left weltering in gore, while the Paxton men 
left the town in the same haste with which they entered it. The 
alarm was raised through the town, but before the citizens r ould 
assemble, the " boys" were beyond their reach. la consequence 
of this aflfair, the Morovian Indians at Wyalusingaud Nain, who 
had come to Philadelphia for protection, were removed to Pro- 
vince Island, near that city, and placed under the charge of the 
garrison. 

The Paxton men, elated by their recent success, assembled in 
great numbers early in January, and threatened to march to 
Philadelphia in a body, and destroy the Indians there. The 
people of the city were prodigiously alarmed, and several com- 
panies of foot, horse and artillery were formed to repel the ex- 
pected attack. The Paxton men, who had approached the 
Schuylkill on their march, finding such a force prepared to re- 
ceive them, returned home." 

llev. John Elder, in a letter to Grov. John Penn, dated Pax- 
ton, December 16, 1763, says : '' On receiving intelligence, the 
loth inst , that a number of persons were assembling on pur- 
pose to go and cut off the Conestoga ludiaas, in concert with 
Mr. Forster, the neighboring magistrate, I hurried olf with a 



56 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

written message to that party, entreating them to desist from 
such an undertaking, representing to them the unlawfulness and 
barbarity of such an action ; that it was cruel and unchristian 
in its nature, and would be fatal in its consequences to them- 
selves and families." 

In another letter to Gov. Penn, Kev. Mr. Elder describes Mr. 
Stewart (one of the Paxton boys) as humane, liberal and reli- 
gious. In a subsequent letter to the Governor, he says : '' The 
storm which had been so long gathering has at length exploded. 
Had Government removed the Indians from Conestoga, which 
had frequently been urged without success, this painful catas- 
trophe might have been avoided. What could I do with men 
heated to madness? All that I could do was done; I expostu 
lated, but life and reason were set at defiance. And yet the 
men in private life are virtuous and respectable ; not cruel, but 
mild and merciful. The time will come when each palliating 
circumstance will be calmly weighed. This deed, magnified into 
the blackest of crimes, shall be considered as one of the youth- 
ful ebullitions of wrath caused by momentary excitement, to 
which human infirmity is subjected." 

There is no doubt that the massacre was committed by the 
younger and more hot-headed members of the Ptev. Col. Elder's 
corps of Rangers, residing at and about Harris' Ferry, joined, 
as they proceeded on their way to the fated village, by residents 
of Perry and Donegal townships, who were led on by one Laz- 
arus Stewart, a daring partizan, and a man of considerable influ- 
ence and standing in the Paxton settlement. 

The following extracts are from a series of historical papers 
written by Redmond Conyugham, Esq., of Lancaster : 

" Imagination cannot conceive the perils with which the set- 
tlement of Paxton were surrounded from 1754 to 1765. To por- 
tray each scene of horror would be impossible; the heart shrinks 
from the attempt. The settlers were goaded on to desperation ; 
murder followed murder ; scouts brought in intelligence that the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 57 

murderers were traced to Couestoga. Kifles were loaded, horses 
were in readiness. They mounted ; they called on their pastor 
to lead them. He was then in the fifty-seventh year of his age. 
Had you seen him then you would have beheld a superior being. 
He had mounted, not to lead them on to the destruction of Con- 
estoga, but to deter them from the attempt. He implored them 
to return ; he urged them to reflect ; ' pause, pause, before you 
proceed.' It was in vain ; ' the blood of the murdered cries 
aloud for vengeance ; we have waited long enough on Govern- 
ment ; the murderers are within our reach, and they must not 
escape.' Col. Elder reminded them that ' the guilty and inno- 
cent cannot be distinguished.' ' Innocent ! can they be called 
innocent who foster murderers ?' Mr. Elder rode up in front, 
and said, ' As your pastor, I command you to relinquish your 
design.' ' Give way then,' said one Smith, ' or your horse dies,' 
presenting his rifle. To save his horse, to which he was much 
attached, Mr. E. drew him aside, and the Rangers were ofl" on 
their fatal errand." 



SMITH'S NARRATIVE OF THE MASSACRE. 

A Mr. Smith, one of the " Paxton Boys," thus narrated the 
particulars of the massacre : 

" I was an early settler in Paxton, a member of the congre- 
gation of the Rev. Mr. Elder. I was one of the chief actors 
in the destruction of Conestoga, and in storming the workhouse 
at Lancaster. I have been stigmatized as a murderer. No 
man, unless he were living at that time in Paxton, could have 
an idea of the sufierings and anxieties of the people. For years 
the Indians had been on the most friendly terms ; but some of 
the traders had been bought by the French ; these corrupted 
the Indians. The savages unexpectedly destroyed our dwell- 
ings and murdered the unsuspicious. When we visited the 
wigwams in the neighborhood, we found the Indians occupied 

8 



68 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

in harmless sports or domestic work. There appeared no evi- 
dence that they were in any way instrumental in the bloody 
acts perpetrated on the frontiers. 

Well do I remember the evening when — ■■ — — stopt at my 
door; judge my surprise when I heard his tale : ' Four followed 
the Indians to the Big Island ; from thence they went to Con- 

estoga; five of us, , , , , , rode off for 

the village. I left my horse under their care, and cautiously 
crawled where I could get a view. I saw Indians arrived; they 
were strangers ; they outnumbered us by dozens. I returned 

without being discovered. "We meet to-night at ; we 

shall expect you with knife, gun and ammunition.' We met, 
and our party, under cover of night, rode off for Conestoga. 
Our plan was well laid ; the scout who had traced the Indians 
was with us ; the village was stormed and reduced to ashes. 
The moment we were perceived an Indian fii'ed at us, and 
rushed forward, brandishing his tomahawk. Tom cried, 'mark 
him,' and he fell pierced by more than one ball — ran up and 
cried out, ' it is the villain who murdered my mother.' This 
speech roused to vengeance, and Conestoga lay harmless before 
us. Our worst fears had been realized ; these Indians, who had 
been housed and fed as the pels of the Province, were now 
proved to be our secret foes ; necessity compelled us to do as 
we did. 

We mounted our horses and returned. Soon we were in- 
formed that a number of Indians were in the work-house at 

Lancaster. was sent to Lancaster to get all the news 

he could. He reported that one of the Indians concerned in 
recent murders was there in safety; also, that they talked of re- 
building Conestoga, and placing these Indians in the new build- 
ings. 

A few of us met to deliberate. Stewart proposed to go to 
Lancaster, storm their castle, and carry off the assassin ; it was 
agreed to ; the whole plan was arranged. Our clergyman did 



ANNALS OP HARRISBUUG. 59 

not approve of our proceeding further. He thought everything 
was accomplished by the destruction of Conestoga, and advised 
us to try what we could do with the Governor and Council. I, 
with the rest, was opposed to the measure proposed by our good 
pastor. It was painful for us to act in opposition to his will, 
but the Indian in Lancaster was known to have murdered the 
parent of — , one of our party. 

The plan was made. Three were chosen to break in the 
doors, five to keep the keepers, &c., from meddling; Captain 
Stewart to remain outside, with about twelve men, to protect 
those within, to prevent surprise, and keep charge of the horses. 
The three were to secure the Indian, tie him with strong cords, 
and deliver him to Stewart. If the three were resisted, a shot 
was to be fired as a signal. I was one of them who entered ; 
you know the rest : we fired ; the Indians were left without 
life, and we rode hastily from Lancaster. Two of the Indians 
killed at Lancaster were recognized as murderers. 

This gave quiet to the frontiers, for no murder of our de- 
fenceless inhabitants has since happened." 

Mr. Smith, the above narrator, after the Revolution, went to 
Milton, Northumberland county; his son, Wilson Smith, re- 
moved to Erie, and represented that district in the Senate of 
Pennsylvania in 1812-13. 

Stewart, soon after the massacre, joined the Connecticut men, 
and became very conspicuous in the civil wars of Wyoming. He 
was once taken prisoner there, and delivered to the Sheriff of 
York county ; but his rangers rescued him, and he suddenly 
appeared with them again at Yfyoming. He was slain there 
during the Revolution, in the disastrous battle of the 8d July, 
1778. 

A proclamation was issued by the Governor, expressing the 
strongest indignation at the outrages at Conestoga and Lancas- 
ter, and offering a reward for the arrest of the perpetrators; but 
such was the state of public opinion in the interior counties 



60 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

that no one dared to bring the offenders to justice, altliougli tliey 
mingled openly among tlieir fellow-citizens. 

PAXTON DURING THE EEVOLUTION. 

Tradition and the records bear ample testimony that the first 
settlers of Paxton were not wanting in patriotism. At the first 
sound of alarm, these heroic farmers flocked eagerly around the 
standard of their country, and their blood was shed on many 
battle-fields of the Revolution. 

JOHN HARRIS FURNISHES SUPPLIES. 

"When Independence was first agitated, John Harris thought 
the declaration premature. He feared the Colonies were une- 
qual to the task of combatting with Great Britain ; but when 
Independence was declared, he at once espoused the popular 
cause. Upon this occasion it is stated that he took his mother 
aside, and in the presence of one of his sons, read to her the 
Declaration of Independence from a Philadelphia paper. When 
he concluded it, he observed that ' the act was now done,' and 
that 'we must take sides either for or against the country. The 
war in which we are about to engage cannot be carried on with- 
out money. Now we have £3,000 in the house, and if you are 
agreed, I will take the money to Philadelphia, and put it into 
the public treastiry, to carry on the war. If we succeed in ob- 
taining our independence we may lose the money, as the Gov- 
ernment may not be able to pay it back, but we will get our 
land.' His mother agreed to this proposition, and he carried 
the money to Philadelphia, where he deposited it in the Trea- 
sury, and took certificates. After the war, he sold these for 
17s. 6d. in the pound. After the debt was funded, certificates 
rose to twenty-five shillings for the pound." — G. W. Harris, 
Esq. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 61 

Three of Mr. Harris' sons, David, Willian84,and John, were 
officers in the Revolutionary Army— the former a Colonel, and 
the two latter Captains. 

CITIZENS OF PAXTON AND DERRY OFFER TPIEIR SERVICES. 

Eev. John Elder wrote as follows to the '' Committee of Safe- 
ty,'' at Philadelphia : 

" Paxton, 21st February, 1776. 
" Gentlemen : If offers for the several companies allowed 
to complete the Battallion to be raised now in this Province are 
not yet appointed, I would beg leave to recommend Mr. Wm. 
Bell for a Captaincy, or a First Lieutenancy; he is a young 
gentleman of good character, and well esteemed in this part of 
the country, and from his influence and agreeable disposition 
can, I think, in a short time engage a number of stout young 
men, farmers' sons, well affected to the American cause, and 
who may be expected to serve from principle and a due regard 
to liberty, but who will not enlist under officers they are unac- 
quainted with. 

I am, gentlemen, your humble serv't, 

JOHN ELDER." 

Hon. Valentine Hummel, Sr., of Harrisburg, has in his pos- 
session, carefully preserved in a frame and glass, a manuscript 
containing the original agreement of certain settlers residing in 
Derry township, to serve in the battalion commanded by James 
Burd. The first name attached to it is that of Judge Hum- 
mel's father, then a very young man. The docuinent reads as 
follows : 

'■'■July 2bth, 1776. — This is to certify that we, the Associates 
of Derry Township, in Lancaster County, Province of Penn- 
sylvania, in the fourth Battalion, commanded by James Burd, 
Colonel, do bind ourselves in all the rules and regulations made 



62 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

by the Honorable Congress in convention, for the militia of this 
Province." 

The following is of the same date, and written immediately 
under, in G-erman, and then the names are attached : 

a Derry Toionship, July 25, 1776. — We, the undersigned' 
are willing to serve in the fourth Battalion, commanded by Col. 
James Burd, agreeably to order of Congress, and agree to serve 
until the first day of November, 1776, in the land service of the 
country, in favor of the flag of Liberty. 

Frederick Hummel, Alexander Montgomery, David Hum- 
mel, Philip ]?lessing, Philip Fishburn, Henry Miller, 
Nicholas Zimmerman, Samuel Ramsey, Peter Grove, 
Mathias Hoover, John M'Farlane, George Lower, Thos. 
Roulin." 

HARRIS LOOKS AFTER THE RESOURCES OF THE COUNTRY. 

On the 20th of March, 1776, John Harris wrote to the Com- 
mittee of Safety, informing that body that " a large quantity of 
pitch and tar may be made up the Susquehanna, Juniata, &c , 
which, if wanted for the public use, may be brought down the 
river in boats to Middletown, and from thence to Philadelphia." 
He also states that " there are some good four-pounder cannons 
at Sunbury, cannon balls, swivels, &c." 

JOHN HARRIS TO PRESIDENT WHARTON ON THE STATE OF 
AFFAIRS. 

" Paxton, January 29, 1778. 
Sir, : The bearer. Col. Wm. M'Eleary, is an honest man, and 
a true friend to the glorious cause of liberty, going down for aid 
to defend our frontiers against the encroachments of the savages. 
I am of opinion that the Indians will take an active part next 
spring (for or against us,) as their young men don't understand 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 63 

acting as neutrals in time of war j and unless tliey, tlie western 
Indians, delivers up hostiges to the United States immediately, 
or sends a number of their warriors to our camp to join us, we 
may depend upon an Indian war taking place against us, and 
ought to prepare for it as well as our present circumstances will 
admit. A defensive war against savages will never do the need- 
ful. 

However prudent and necessary it may be to grant assistance 
to several parts of the frontiers, &c., at particular times, and 
when we are assured that a general Indian war will take place, 
we must attack them in their own country at all hazards. If a 
French war takes place, I hope we may be eased of an Indian 
war, which will be a great mercy. I make free to give your 
honor my sentiments of the times, and conclude 

Your Honor's humble servant, 

JOHN HARRIS. 
Hon, Thos. Wuakton." 

JOHN HARRIS OFFERS HIS SERVICES TO TRANSPORT SUP- 
PLIES. 

The situation of the people of Northumberland county, in the 
spring of 1778, was imminently critical. A large party of In- 
dians, Tories and English had entered the county and com- 
menced a war of extermination upon the settlers, who, being 
w^ithout the means of defence, fell an easy prey to the enemy. 
It was to furnish supplies to these settlers that prompted Mr. 
Harris to write the following letter to the Vice President of the 
Executive Council : 

" Paxton, June 3d, 1778. 

Sir : I have received several letters from Col. Hunter lately, 
mentioning the distressed situation of Northumberland county, 
&c. It appears absolutely necessary that some person should 
receive, store, provide, and forward any stores the public may 
order up the Susquehanna, Juniata, &c., during the present In- 



64 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

dian war. A quantity of flour is wanted ; not a cask or bag to 
put it in. The inhabitants are leaving said county in great 
numbers. I pity my bleeding country, and am willing to assist 
the supplying the county of Northumberland by any means in 
my power, or forward any article up the different branches of 
this river from time to time, I am as good a judge of the navi- 
gation, in either boat or canoe, on our river as can be found. I 
expect to send up a quantity of stores to the lead mines, up 
Juniata, at Water Street, as soon as I receive a letter from Mr. 
Koberdeau, which I hourly expect. The present flood, to con- 
vey by water, should not be lost, as perhaps no other may hap- 
pen till next fall. The Quartermaster can furnish provisions for 
boatmen or any necessary escorts, &c. If the inhabitants in 
their fright are suffered to move off as they are doing, and as- 
sistance not soon sent up, the crops will be lost in many frontier 
places, that may be saved by their getting timely aid from the 
public. A quantity of arms, some powder and lead, is here for 
Northumberland county, which I expect will be forwarded to- 
morrow. There's two good store-houses at my dwelling planta- 
tion, exclusive of a cellar fifty feet by forty, under my dwelling- 
house, so that there's plenty of store room for the public use if 
wanted. There's a great concourse of public wagons, &c., with 
stores, on the Reading road, too few flats at the Ferry here, and 
what there is will not be properly attended, that the public may 
suffer for want of a few men employed by the public (to assist 
in my opinion.) I have rented my Tavern, Ferry, &c., and am 
at leisure to assist the transporting stores, &c., up the Susque- 
hanna as offered, if proper instructions are sent me. You'll 
please write to me by bearer, Mr. Whitsell, if you judge necessary. 
I am, sir, with the greatest esteem. 

Your most obed't and most humble serv't, 

JOHN HARRIS. 
Hon. George Betan. 

P. S. Excuse haste and blunders. J. H." 



ANNALS OF HAREISBURG. 65 



WYOMING REFUGEES SEEK PROTECTION AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

In July, 1778; a large number of the survivors of the Wy- 
oming massacre arrived at Harris' Ferry in boats and flats to 
seek protection from the enemy. The following letter from Col. 
Matthew Smith alludes to this circumstance as follows : 

" Paxtang, July 12, 10 o'clock, 1778. 

" Sir : I am this moment arrived at Harris' Ferry, and just 
now behold the greatest scene of distress I ever saw ; the nu- 
merous poor ran away from their habitations, and left their all, 
and several families lost, part killed and scalped on their retreat ; 
the most cruel butcheries ever known are practiced : wounded 
and others thrown into fires while yet living. The inhabitants, 
however, are much distressed; the Wyoming people are un- 
doubtedly, by last accounts, entirely defeated. Northumberland 
county is evacuated. Not more than one hundred men with 
Col. Hunter at Sunbury; the Blue Mountain [five miles above 
Harrisburg] is now the frontier; and I am afraid Lancaster 
county will shortly follow the example of the other county. The 
stores at Carlisle are something very considerable. I doubt not 
their object is to destroy that place. I am informed there is not 
that care taken that should be. I think it would be necessary 
to appoint some careful ofiicer at that place, that would do the 
duty more punctually. 

This party is large, having Col. Butler at their head, one hun- 
dred regular troops at first ; about the same number of Tories, 
but is increased in two or three times that number; seven hun- 
dred Indians, all around in a most formidable manner, every one 
of them, exclusive of guns and tomahawks, as usual, each one 
has a large spontoon, and as soon as engaged, rushes on in a most 
dreadful manner. It is said they have field pieces, or swivels, 
and a number of light horse. 

It is the earnest request of all friends of their country, as well 

9 



66 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

as your humble servant, that something shall he done in the 
greatest haste. Be pleased to send an order for what arms are 
ready at Lancaster and Ilummelstown, also for ammunition, and 
I shall exert every nerve in forwarding matters to the spot the 
men shall collect. 

I am yours, &c., 

MATHEW SMITH." 

Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks, still living in York county, a grand- 
mother of the publisher of the " Annals," was one of the Wy- 
oming settlers who sought protection at Harris' Ferry upon this 
occasion. 

HARRIS' FERRY A SUPPLY DEPOT FOR THE ARMY. 

It would seem that Harris' Ferry was a depot for army sup- 
plies during the Kevolution. Col. Hartley wrote to President 
Reed, May 11, 1779, that " the Commissary in this county 
(York) had exerted himself very much in procuring provisions 
for the troops on the Susquehanna. The expedition on these 
waters must greatly depend upon the supplies from hence ; but 
unfortunately no wagons can be provided in the ordinary course 
to transport the flour to Harris' Ferry, where the boats are to 
receive the same." 

Middletown, in this county, is also noticed in the Colonial 
Records as being a supply depot for the army. 

COL. SMITH PROPOSES RELIEF TO THE SETTLERS IN NORTH- 
UMBERLAND COUNTY. 

The earnest appeal of the struggling settlers of Northumber- 
land county for succor, was quickly responded to by the Pax- 
tonians, as will be seen by the following letter from Col Smith : 

" Paxtang, July 31, 1779. 
" Sir : I take the opportunity of conveying a few lines by 
the bearer, John Gilchrist, Esq., (a member of the House of 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 67 

Assembly,) who, I think, was pitched upon, thinking he might 
have more influence with Council than another that might as 
quickly deliver the dispatches. For my part, I think the dis- 
tresses of the Northumberland county people equal, if not supe- 
rior, to anything that have happened to any part of the continent 
since the commencement of the present war. You will see the 
late accounts, in some measure, by the letters enclosed by Mr. 
M'Clay [Maclay?]; I believe only in some measure, as the ac- 
counts is almost every minute arriving by people who have es- 
caped the enemy, that, if true, are indeed truly alarming. The 
accounts this moment is, the town of Northumberland is evacu- 
ated ; if so, then Sunbury will soon follow the example, and the 
same frontier will be where it was twenly years past. This day 
the township of Pastang met to appoint a committee to act in 
conjunction with other parts of the State, to fix and lower the 
prices. As soon as the letters came to hand, Messrs. Elder, M'- 
Clay and myself attended, had the whole matter laid before the 
people, that was no inconsiderable number, and proposed a scheme 
for volunteers to turn out immediately for the relief of the dis- 
tressed people. We have fixed Sunday morning, at 8 o'clock, 
to march, when I doubt not at least fifty men will go that way, 
as the distress was so great. Everything has been done to en- 
courage, hut no promise of reward ah&olutely given. I know 
the difficulty of getting the militia out; this method in the 
meantime, in hopes to stop the progress of the enemy, if the 
volunteers can be allowed wages, or even their expenses, it will 
be acceptable if it cannot be done. A few lines from your Ex- 
cellency, or from your Excellency and Council, will be truly ac- 
ceptable to me, and I will make the best use of it in my power, 
as I assure you I have made every proposal in my power, and 
perhaps more ; but as the greater number now going from this 
batallion is officers, I hope to make the matter more easy than 
if they were generally privates. If you write by the bearer 



68 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

direct to NortliumlDerlaiid county, as I will be there two or three 

weeks from this date, if the country is not entirely broken up. 

Your humble servant, 

MATT. SMITH. 
His Excellency Joseph Reed." 

THE PAXTONIANS AFTER THE ENEMY. 

Col. Smith again wrote to President Keed, on the 3d of Au- 
gust, 1779, informing him that he " had arrived at Sunbury 
with sixty Paxtang boys," and that " the neighboring townships 
turns out a number of volunteers. Cumberland county will give 
a considerable assistance; to-morrow at 12 o'clock is fixed for 
the time of march ;" that " provisions is scarce," but that '' they 
will follow the savages and hope to come at them, and if they 
do will give a good account." 

THE ICE AND PUMPKIN FLOODS. 

"The ice flood happened in the winter of 1784-85, and the 
pumpkin flood in the fall of 1787. During the ice flood, the 
low ground about Harris' graveyard was covered with water, and 
the ferry flats were tied to the bars of the cellar windows of the 
stone house (now Pennsylvania Female College.) On that occa- 
sion the water rose into the first story of Judge Carson's house, 
above Harrisburg, and a considerable part of the river ran around 
that house and down Paxton creek. The fences on its route 
were generally carried away. During the pumpkin flood, the 
ground about the graveyard was also covered with water, and the 
pumpkins, carried ofi" chiefly from the Yankees in Wyoming 
valley, were strewed in profusion over the low ground below 
Harrisburg." — Preface to Napey's Harrisburg Directory. 

It is evident, by the extracts appended below, that the dates 
given in the above statement are inaccurate. The ice flood 
above alluded to is thus described by the celebrated Dr. Benja- 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 69 

min Rushj in a letter to tlie editor of the Columbian Magazine 
for November, 1786 : 

" The winter of 1783-84 was uncommonly cold, insomuch 
that the mercury in Farenheit's thermometer stood several times 
at 5'-'' below 0. The snows were frequent, and in many places 
from two to three feet deep during the greatest part of the win- 
ter. All the rivers in Pennsylvania were frozen so as to bear 
wagons and sleds with immense weights. In the month of Jan- 
uary a thaw came on suddenly, which opened our rivers so as to 
set the ice a-driving, to use the phrase of the country. In the 
course of one night during the thaw, the wind shifted suddenly 
to the north-west, and the weather became intensely cold. The 
ice, which had floated the day before, was suddenly obstructed ; 
and in the rirer Susquehanna the obstructions were formed in 
those places where the water was most shallow, or where it had 
been accustomed to fall. This river is several hundred miles in 
length, and from half a mile to a mile and a half in breadth, 
and winds through a hilly, and in many places a fertile and 
highly cultivated country. It has as yet a most difficult com- 
munication with our bays and the sea, occasioned by the num- 
ber and height of th^ falls which occur near the mouth of the 
river. The ice in many places, especially where there were falls, 
formed a kind of dam of a most stupendous height. About the 
middle of March our weather moderated, and a thaw became 
general. The effects of it v/ere remarkable in all our rivers, but 
in none so much as in the river I have mentioned. I shall there- 
fore endeavor, in a few words, to describe them. Unfortunately 
the dams of ice did not give way all at once, nor those which 
lay nearest to the mouth of the river first. While the upper 
dams were set afloat by the warm weather, the lower ones, which 
were the largest, and in which, of course, the ice was most im- 
pacted, remained fixed. In consequence of this the river rose 
in a few hours, in many places, above thirty feet, rolling upon 
its surface large lumps of ice from ten to forty cubic feet in size. 



70 ANNALS OP HARRISBURQ. 

The effects of this sudden inundation were terrible. Whole 
farms were laid under water. Barns, stables, horses, cattle, 
fences, mills of every kind, and in one instance a large stone 
house, forty by thirty feet, were carried down the stream. Large 
trees were torn up by the roots, several small islands covered 
with woods were swept away, and not a vestige of them was left 
behind. On the barns which preserved their shape, in some 
instances, for many miles were to be seen living fowls; and in 
one dwelling a candle was seen to burn for some time after it 
was swept from its foundation. Where the shore was level, the 
lumps of ice and the ruins of houses and farms were thrown a 
quarter of a mile from the ordinary height of the river. In 
some instances farms were ruined by the mould being swept from 
them by the cakes of ice, or by depositions of sand ; while others 
were enriched by large depositions of mud. The damage, upon 
the whole, done to the State of Pennsylvania by this fresh, was 
very great. In most places it happened in the daytime, or the 
consequences must have been fatal to many thousands." 

A writer in Hazzard's Ilegister for 1832, who claimed to be 
in possession of a record of all the great floods that occurred in 
the Susquehanna since 1744, says : 

" The first regular flood on record is that of 1744 ; the second 
occurred in 1758 ; the third in 1772; the fourth in March, 
1784; the fifth, known as the ^ great pumpkin fresh,' happened 
in September, 1786 ; the sixth in the spring of 1800 ; the sev- 
enth in August, 1814; and the eighth in August, 1817." 

ERECTION OF DAUPHIN COUNTY, AND HARRIS' FERRY MADE 
THE SEAT OF JUSTICE. 

Dauphin county, named in honor of a son of Louis XVI., 
was created out of a part of Lancaster county, and Harris' Ferry 
made the seat of justice thereof, by an act of Assembly dated 
March 4, 1785. The act is entitled " An act for erecting part 
of the county of Lancaster into a separate county." The first, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 71 

second, tliird, fourth, fifth and sixth sections provides for the 
name and boundaries of the county. 

The seventh section directs the Court to sit for the said county 
of Dauphin near Harris' Ferry, in the months of February, May, 
August and November, yearly, for the dispatch of the public 
business of said county. 

The eighth section provides that it shall and may be lawful 
to and for Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James 
Cowden, and William Brown, of Paxton, or any three of them, 
to take assevrance to them and their heirs of such lot or piece 
of ground as shall be laid out and approved of by the said com- 
missioners, or any three of them, for the erecting a court-house 
and gaol thereupon, in trust and for the use of the inhabitants 
of the said county of Dauphin, and thereupon to erect a court- 
house and prison sufficient to accommodate the public service of 
the said county. 

The ninth section gives the commissioners power to assess and 
levy taxes for building the same. 

The tenth section provides that the sum of money so raised 
shall not exceed £1500. 



HARRIS PROPOSES TO LAY OUT A TOWN AT HIS FERRY. 

Previous to the passage of the above act, Mr. Harris had 
made the following proposals to the General Assembly, which, 
perhaps, influenced that body to select Harris' Ferry as the seat 
of justice for the new county : 

" Philadelphia, March 3, 1784. 

Proposals of John Harris for the laying out of a Town on Ms 

Land, on the River Susquehannah. 

That the said John Harris will immediately (if encouraged 

by Government) lay out a Town of Two hundred lots, on the 

high grounds above his present dwelling house, the lots of about 



72 ANNALS OP HAREISBURG. 

the Quantity of a Quarter of an acre each, in sucli form, witli 
respect to streets, lanes and alleys, as the Commissioners may 
approve, a large street to be left for Publick landings along the 
Eiver side. That the said John Harris agrees that the Honor- 
able Assembly of this Commonwealth shall appoint Commission- 
ers to value his said lots, after reserving Twenty Lots for his 
own use : That the s'd John Harris will convey all the streets, 
lanes and alleys, to the inhabitants of s'd Town, & will convey 
to proper Commissioners a lot for a Court House & Jail, and a 
square of Four Acres to the State of Pensilvania, for such pur- 
poses as the Government may apply the same : the applyers to 
have it at their choice to take the lots on a reasonable Ground- 
rent, or to purchase the fee simple of the same : The Commis- 
sioners in both cases to be Judges : That as soon as the s'd Two 
Hundred lots are built on or disposed of, should there be a fur- 
ther demand for lots, the s'd John Harris engages, that the 
Publick shall be accommodated at a reasonable rate. 

JOHN HARRIS." 

THE TOWN LAID OUT— DEED OF CONVEYANCE TO THE 
COMMISSIONERS. 

The town proposed by Harris was laid out in the spring of 
1785, by William Maclay, who was a son-in-law of Mr. Harris. 
Mr. M. also made the draft of the town, and drew up the fol- 
lowing conveyances from John Harris to the commissioners : 

''July 6th, 1785. 
* * * u ]5y virtue of which said several grants, devices 
and conveyances the title to the land on which the town of Har- 
risburg in the county of Dauphin is situated is legally vested in 
the said John Harris his heirs and assigns; And whereas in 
and by a certain bond or obligation duly executed by the said 
John Harris to the State of Pennsylvania for the sum of five 
thousand pounds lawful monies of the same State bearing date 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 73 

the 4:ih day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-five conditioned for the faithful per- 
formance of all and singular the agreements promises engage- 
ments, articles matters and things which he had therein under- 
taken to do and perform, among other things did covenant to, 
and with Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James 
Cowden and William Brown as follows : Whereas the Repre- 
sentatives of the freemen of the said Commonwealth in General 
Assembly met, in and by a certain bill before them now de- 
pending have resolved to erect part of the county of Lancaster 
into a separate county to be known and called by the name of 
the county of Dauphin, and that the seat of Justice in the 
said county of Dauphin shall be fixed at or near the place of 
the said John Harris' residence, and that Joshua Elder, Jacob 
Awl, Andrew Stewart, Wm. Brown and Jas. Cowden or any 
three of them shall be commissioners for certain purposes, in 
the said bill mentioned ; And Whereas the said John Harris in 
order to promote the good intentions of the said General As- 
sembly in fixing the seat of Justice at the said place, to enable 
the said commissioners to regulate the laying out a county town 
there to public advantage, and to promote the more speedy set- 
tlement thereof by a liberal encouragement to purchasers hath 
promised, covenanted, and agreed to and with the said commis- 
sioners, that as soon as the said bill shall be passed into a law 
he, the said John Harris will without delay lay out two hundred 
lots containing about one quarter acre each on the high grounds 
near his present dwelling house on the bank of the river Susque- 
hanna as a site for the said county town, and that with the same 
lots shall be laid out such streets, lanes and alleys as the said 
commissioners or a majority of them shall direct, which streets 
shall be confirmed for public use forever ; and that he will also 
lay out a large street along the river for public landing places ; 
And "Whereas the said John Harris in consideration of the 

10 



74 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

promises and other good causes hath also promised covenanted 
and agreed to and with the said intended commissioners that in 
case the said bill shall be passed into a law he will upon request 
convey to the said commissioners, or any three of them and 
their heirs a good and sufficient lot of ground for erecting a 
Court House and goal thereon in trust for the use of the inhab- 
itants of the said county of Dauphin/' [Here follows a quota- 
tion from the act erecting the new county.] '' Now this inden- 
ture witnesseth that in consideration of the premises and for 
and in consideration of the sum of five shillings lawful money 
of Pennsylvania to them the said John Harris and Mary his 
wife in hand paid by the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, An- 
drew Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown at and before 
the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt of which 
sum of five shillings they the said John Harris and Mary his 
wife do hereby acknowledge, and thereof, and every thereof do 
acquit release the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stew- 
art, James Cowden and Wm. Brown their and each of their 
heirs executors administrators and assigns, and every of them 
have granted bargained sold released enfeoffed and confirmed 
and by these presents do grant bargain, sell allien, release enfcof 
and confirm unto the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew 
Stewart, James Cowden and Wm. Brown their heirs and as- 
signs all the streets, lanes alleys or highways as laid out by the 
commissioners of, in, and for the town of Harrisburg aforesaid 
in the county of Dauphin the butts, boundaries, courses, dis- 
tances length and breadth thereof are as follows :" [Front, Pax- 
ton, Second, Market, Third, Pine, Locust, Walnut, Chestnut, 
and Mulberry streets. River, Easpberry, Barbara, Cranberry, 
Strawberry, Blackberry and Cherry alleys are here described] ; 
"And in consideration of the further sum of five shillings law- 
ful money aforesaid to them the said John Harris and Mary his 
wife in hand well and truly paid by the said Jacob Awl, And. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 75 

Stewart, Joshua Elder, James Cowden and Wm. Brown the 
receipt thereof is hereby acknowledged and thereof and every 
part thereof the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stew- 
art, James Cowden and Wm. Brown, their and each of their 
heirs are fully acquitted and forever discharged, have granted, 
bargained, sold released alliened enfeoffed and confirmed, and by 
these presents do grant bargain, sell allien release, enfeoff and 
confirm unto them the said Jacob Awl Joshua Elder Andrew 
Stewart Jas. Cowden and Wm. Brown, their heirs and assigns 
four certain lots of ground in the aforesaid town of Harrisburg, 
marked on the general plan of said town Nos. 120, 121, 142, 
143, situated and bounded as follows : Beginning at a corner 
where Rasberry alley intersects Market street, thence along the 
line of Market street to the line that divides lots No. 141 and 
142 ; thence on the same division line crossing Strawberry 
alley to Walnut street ; thence oa the line of Walnut street to 
Rasberry alley ; thence down the line of said alley to the place 
of beginning." 

CONVEYANCE OF THE FERRY LOT. 

On the 6th of July, 1785, " in consideration of the sum of 
five sbillings," John and Mary Harris also conveyed to Jacob 
Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and Wm. 
Brown, in trust for the use of the public, " a certain lot of 
ground in the town of Harrisburg, called and known as the 
' Ferry Lot,' beginning at a post marked for a corner on the line 
of Front street, thence north 37 degrees east 10 perches, to a 
corner; thence 53 degrees west 4 perches to a corner; thence 
south 37 degrees west 10 perches to the place of beginning, 
containing one quarter of an acre, together with all and singu- 
lar the rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurte- 
nances whatsoever thereunto belonging." 



76 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



THE FUTURE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA 
PREDICTED. 

Impressed with, a strong faitli that this point on the Susque- 
hanna would be looked to, if not as a great commercial point, at 
least one possessing advantages from its central position, and at 
that early day presenting itself as the great crossing for the 
growing trade of the western and northern settlements, Mr. Har- 
ris is said to have observed to a gentleman, Mr. HoUenback, 
who afterwards settled at Wilkesbarre, that this place would he- 
come the seat of government of Pennsylvania ; and so strongly 
persuaded was he of the realization of his prophecy, that by deed 
dated July 6, 1785, he gave in trust to the commissioners, for the 
use of the Commonwealth, in case the seat of government should 
be fixed at Harrisburg, four acres and twenty-one perches of 
land, being the present site of the State Arsenal. 

The following is an extract from the deed conveying the same. 
It is recorded in book A, Recorder's Office : 

" In consideration of the sum of five shillings, grant, bargain, 
sell, release and enfeoif, and confirm unto Jacob Awl, Joshua 
Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden, and William Brown, 
their heirs and assigns, in trust for public use, and such pur- 
poses as the Legislature shall hereafter direct, a certain lot or 
piece of ground, situated in the said town of Harrisburg, in the 
said county of Dauphin, marked on the general plan of the said 
town " Public Ground," situated and bounded as follows : Be- 
ginning at a post marked for a corner on the lines of Third and 
Walnut streets; thence along the said Walnut street, north 
thirty-seven degrees east seventeen perches and a quarter to a 
post marked for a corner ; thence north thirty-five degrees west 
thirty-one perches to a black oak ; thence south fifty-seven de- 
grees west twenty-three perches to a post marked for a corner 
on the line of Third street ; thence down the said street, south 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 77 

forty-five degrees east thirty-seven perches to the place of be- 
o-innino;." 

The late Thomas P. Cope, of Philadelphia, informed George 
W. Harris, Esq., in 1846, that he was at the house of John 
Harris, on the present site of Harrisburg, he thinks, about the 
year 1785. He ate breakfast with Mr. Harris, who expressed 
,to him the opinion that the place (Harrisburg) would become 
the seat of government of Pennsylvania, and he pointed out the 
public hill as the spot where the public buildings would be 
erected. 

ATTEMPT TO FIX THE FEDERAL SEAT OF GOVERNMENT AT 
OR NEAR HARRISBURG. 

The question of fixing, permanently, the seat of the Federal 
Government, began to occupy public attention shortly after the 
close of the Revolutionary War ; and was strongly agitated in 
the Congress of 1789, then in session at New York. 

The question was first submitted to the House of Represent- 
atives of that body in the shape of the following resolution, 
which, with the subsequent information, the compiler gleans 
from the " Pennsylvania Packet,'' published at Philadelphia, in 
the year above stated : 

"Resolved, That a permanent seat for the government of the 
United States ought to be fixed as near the centre of wealth, 
population and extent of territory as shall be consistent with the 
convenience of the Atlantic navigation, having also a due regard 
to the circumstances of the western country." 

Adopted. 

Mr. Goodhue observed that the members from the Eastern 
and Northern States had contemplated the subject of a perma- 
nent seat of the Federal Government with deliberation. They 
had turned their eyes to difi"erent parts of the country, and had 
at last, after a mutual and full consultation, came to an agree- 



78 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

ment that the banks of the Susquehanna was as far South and 
as near the centre of the population and extent of territory as 
was consistent with other circumstances important to the coun- 
try. They felt disposed to be governed by principles of accom- 
modation, and were of opinion that the banks of the Susque- 
hanna ought to be chosen for the permanent residence of Con- 
gress. He concluded by reading a resolution to this effect, 

Mr. Hartley supported the resolution, and pointed out Wright's 
Ferry as an eligible place. 

Mr. Lee moved to amend, by fixing the seat of government 
on the Potomac instead of the Susquehanna. Not agreed to — 
yeas 20, nays 31. 

Mr. Madison proposed to amend, by leaving it discretional to 
be either on the Potomac or the Susquehanna. Not agreed to 
— yeas 20, nays 81. 

On a subsequent day, the House of Representatives, in com- 
mittee of the whole, proceeded to consider the resolution of Mr. 
Groodhue, which read as follows : 

^'Resolved, In the opinion of this committee, that the per- 
manent seat of government of the United States ought to be at 
some convenient place on the east bank of the Susquehanna 
river, in the State of Pennsylvania," &c. 

Mr. Heister moved to insert after the words '' Susquehanna 
river," the words ''heiioeen Ilairisburg and Middletoion, in- 
clusive." 

A lengthy and spirited debate occurred, participated in by 
nearly all the principal members of the House ; those from the 
Northern and Eastern States generally favoring the amendment, 
and those from the South opposing it The amendment was 
finally lost, 

Several other amendments were proposed and lost; and the 
original resolution was carried. 

In Committee of the Whole House next day, it was resolved 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 79 

tliat the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to borrow the 
sum of $100,000, to be repaid in twenty years, with five per 
cent, interest, for the purpose of erecting the necessary build- 
ings on the bank of the Susquehanna. 

Mr. Fitzsimmons moved for the " appointment of commis- 
sioners to examine and report upon the most eligible situation 
for the public buildings on the Susquehanna; and that they be 
authorized, by and with the advice of the President^ to purchase 
such quantity of lands as may be thought necessary," &c. 

Mr. Hartley said the State of Pennsylvania, both by its con- 
vention and Legislature, had made the cession of the jurisdic- 
tion by Congress over any district of ten miles square in the 
State that might be selected for the seat of government. 

The resolution of Mr. Fitzsimmons, after being so amended 
as to make the acts of the commissioners subject to the approval 
or rejection by the President, was adopted — yeas 28, nays 21. 

The resolution went to the Senate, which body struck out all 
relating to the Susquehanna, and inserted a clause fixing the 
permanent seat of government at Germantown, Pa. 

The House at first agreed to the clause, but refused to concur 
with some subsequent action of the Senate thereon ; and pend- 
ing the further consideration of the subject, Congress adjourned 
suie die for that year. 

At the session of 1790, the question was again brought before 
Congress, and created an intense excitement throughout the 
country. The Northern and Eastern members were strenuous 
in their efforts to prevent the seat of government being located 
south of the Susquehanna river; while, on the other hand, the 
Southern and Western members were just as active in their 
labors to prevent it being located on the Susquehanna, or at any 
point north or east of that river. The vote on the question was 
divided equally. 

Finally, this sectional feeling became so strong as to endanger 
the safety of the Union itself, and Washington, Jefferson, Ham- 



80 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

ilton, and other patriots; earnestly sougtt to effect a compromise, 
but were unsuccessful. 

At last, by changing the votes of one or two of the Northern 
members, brought about through the instrumentality of Mr. 
Jefferson, a bill, pretty much in the shape of that proposed at 
the previous session, passed Congress, fixing the site of the seat 
of government on the banks of the Potomac, at such place as 
should be selected by commissioners under the direction of the 
President. 



APPEARANCE OF THE TOWN WHEN FIRST LAID OUT— INCI- 
DENTS. 

The following incidents originally appeared in Napey's Direc- 
tory, and were written by George W. Harris, Esq. : 

'' When the town was first laid out, the old orchard [belong- 
ing to the mansion house, now the Pennsylvania Female Col 
lege] extended up to about the line of Mulberry street. About 
the intersection of Mulberry street with Second street, was a 
ridge from which the ground descended from six to ten feet to 
the present Market Square, [the ground in and about which was 
of a swampy character,] and the water ran from the Square up- 
wards and into the river, along the channel which is under the 
bridge now erected across Front street, above Walnut. At this 
time the ground above Market street was chiefly in woods. 

" Mr. Robert Harris, who died in the year 1851, frequently 
saw several bears killed in the river in one day. In the fall of 
the year they would come down from the mountains to the corn- 
fields, and were quite abundant in the neighborhood It was 
quite common to see them while riding along the roads. The 
farmers, when going out to plough, would frequently take their 
guns to guard against their depredations. On one occasion, Mr. 
Robert Harris, with his sister, Mrs. Hanna, were playing at the 
river near the mouth of the run at the end of Walnut street. 



ANISTALS OP HARRISBURG. 81 

A thicket of bushes extended up along the run. Some boys 
came running from a barn on the bank, and told them that two 
bears were coming down the run. They scampered up the bank, 
when presently the bears came along and took into the river. 

" On another occasion a man named Rennox, with some oth- 
ers, went in pursuit of a bear. When the canoe appi'oached 
near to it, Eennox made a stroke at the bear with his socket 
pole, but missed it. He either lost his balance or was drawn 
overboard by the weight of the pole, and the bear struck him 
with his paw and tore his cheek open. 

" Wild turkies were also abundant here at this period. John 
Harris shot wild turkies from the door of his store house. Bea- 
ver and otter were then and afterwards killed along Paxton 
creek, and on the islands in the neighborhood. 

'' The town, as laid out by John Harris, extended as far down 
the bank as Mulberry street, and the lot now occupied by the 
' Swan House,' corner of Front and Mulberry streets, owned by 
the heirs of Valentine Egle, was No. 1 on the plan of the town. 
In the course of a few years afterwards he extended the plan 
down to Mary's alley, which bounds the stone-house lot on the 
upper side. His executors, in 1792, extended the plan of lots 
further down. 

" There is no house, except the building now occupied by the 
Female College, on Front street, yet standing within the limits 
of Harrisburg, which is certainly known to have been erected 
before the town was laid out. 

" John Hamilton erected the first permanent embellishment 
to the town, after Harris' stone house, by building a brick house 
at the upper corner of Front street and Blackberry alley, and 
the large establishment for his store on the corner of Market 
square and Market street, which was known a few years ago 
as the ' Washington House,' but since replaced by a new 
structure, termed the 'Jones House.' Mr, Hamilton carried 

11 



82 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

on an extensive trade with, the Western settlers. In place of 
the present rapid mode of conveying merchandise and passen- 
gers to Pittsburg, he kept large numbers of horses and mules, 
and every few weeks his caravans set out ' for the West,' la- 
dened with salt, powder, lead, &c. 

" The first clergyman established in the town was Rev. Mr. 
Montgomery, a Presbyterian. His first discourse, it is said, was 
delivered in the lot where recently stood the ruins of the Pres- 
byterian Church, on a pleasant afternoon in the month of June. 
The congregation — the entire village — were sheltered by two or 
three large apple trees and some noble oaks, the primitive growth 
of the forest. 

"Chief Justice M'Kean resided here for some time, at least 
when Congress sat at York. He lived in a substantial one story 
log house, a short distance above what is now Locust street. He 
wore an immense cocked hat, and had great deference shown 
him by the country people and the straggling Indians, who had 
their village a short distance from the town. When he and 
the other Judges of the Supreme Court came to the town to hold 
court, numbers of the citizens would go out on horseback to 
meet them and escort them to town. Sometimes one or two 
hundred people would attend on this occasion. And each morn- 
ing while the Chief Justice was in town holding court, the 
sheriff" and constables escorted him from his lodgings to the court 
room. When on the Bench, he sat with his cocked hat on, and 
was dressed in a scarlet gown." 

FIRST COURT AT HARRIS' FERRY. 

The first courts in Dauphin county were held by Justices of 
the Peace, and the earliest record of a court reads : 

*'At a Court of Quarter Sessions holden near Harris' Ferry, 
in and for the county of Dauphin, &c.," on the " third Tuesday 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 83 

of May, in the year of our Lord 1785/' before "Timotliy 
Green, Samuel Jones and Jonathan M'Clure, Esqrs., Justices 
of the same court.'' 

The sheriff of Lancaster county exercised the same office in 
Dauphin county. 

The names of the Jurymen were : -James Cowden (foreman), 
Kobert Montgomery, John G-ilchrist, Barefoot Brunson, John 
Clark, Rowen M'Clure, John Carson, John Wilson, William 
Crane, Archibald M'Allister, Richard Dixon, John Pattimore, 
James Crouch, Jacob Awl, William Brown, Andrew Stewart, 
James Rogers, Samuel Stewart, John Cooper, Alexander Ber- 
ryhill. 

Alexander Graydon was the first Prothonotary ; Anthony 
Kelker the first Sheriff, and Rudolph Kelker the first Deputy 
Sheriff. 

The earliest record of a punishment is the account of one 
inflicted on William Courtenay and Jesse Rowland, who were 
sentenced to receive eighteen lashes and pay fifteen shillings 
sterling, on the 18th of August, 1785, between the hours of 
four and six o'clock in the afternoon. Several records occur in 
which punishment was inflicted by lashes and " standing in the 
pillory." An unusually large number of the cases tried during 
the first term were for horse stealing. 

CHANGES IN THE NAME OF THE TOWN. 

The minutes of the second court held in the town are dated 
at " Harrisburg ;" and on the 3d of August, 1786, the follow- 
ing endorsement appears on the docket : 

" The name of the County Town, or Seat of the Courts, is 
altered from * Harrisburg' to ' Louisbourg,' in consequence of 
the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth so styling 
it in the commissio»i« of the Justices of the said Town." 



84 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

On the 16tli day of May, 1791, tlie Docket contains the fol- 
lowing note : 

" The name of the County Town is altered to Harrisburg, in 
pursuance of an act of Assembly creating it into a borough un- 
der that name, passed loth of April, 1791." 

George W. Harris, Esq., relates that his father (the late 
Robert Harris, Esq.) informed him that when the act of Assem- 
bly was passed, in 1785, establishing Dauphin county, it fixed 
the seat of government near Harris' Ferry. The design was to 
leave to John Harris the privilege of naming the town. 

But the Chief Justice (M'Kean) and some of the Judges of 
the Supreme Court conceived the notion that as the county was 
called after the Dauphin of France, the town should be called 
Louisbourg, after Louis XVI. At this time the prejudices of 
the people ran high in favor of France for the aid that king- 
dom had given America during the Revolution. Besides, Judge 
M'Kean and John Harris had had a personal difficulty, which 
occurred about the time the former was leaving Harrisburg, 
after his residence here; and, perhaps, being influenced by 
motives of hostility towards Mr. Harris, Mr. M'Kean strongly 
urged that the town should be called Louisbourg. 

Accordingly, in the first precept for holding the courts here, 
the court was directed to be held at Louisbourg. John Harris, 
however, told the Judges that they might "Louisbourg" as 
much as they pleased, but that he would never execute a title 
for any lot in any other name than that of Harrisburg; and his 
determination prevailed. 

THE FIRST COURT HOUSES. 

The building in which the first court at Harris' Ferry was 
held, was a log house which stood until about fifteen years ago, 
at the corner of what is now Washington avenue and Front 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 85 

street ; and the " pillory," or punishing place, was in that neigh- 
borhood. The court was afterwards held in a log house which 
still stands, [but now weatherboarded] on the south-east corner 
of Market street and Dewberry alley. From this place the 
court moved into the present Court House, which it occu- 
pied until December, 1812, when it vacated that building for 
the use of the Legislature, which body occupied it until July 
2, 1822, when it took possession of the State Capitol, as will 
appear hereafter. 

When the court vacated the Court House it moved into the 
then partially finished brick building, owned at the time by 
Mr. Capp, now known as the ''"White Hall" tavern. While 
here, the Commissioners of the county erected the brick build- 
ings opposite the " Franklin House," corner of Walnut street 
and Raspberry alley, into which the court moved, and which it 
occupied until the Legislature vacated the present Court House, 
as above stated. 

The following is a list of the President Judges of the Dau- 
phin county courts since the adoption of the Constitution of 
1790. It is derived from the ''Executive Minutes," in the 
office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth : 

John Joseph Henry, commissioned December 16, 1793. 
Walter Franklin, commissioned January 18, 1811. 
Amos Ellmaker, commissioned July 3, 1815. 
David Scott, commissioned December 21, 1816. 
Samuel D. Franks, commissioned July 29, 1818. 
Calvin Blythe, commissioned February 1, 1830. 
James M. Porter, commissioned July 1, 1839. 
Anson V. Parsons, commissioned January 16, 1841. 
Calvin Blythe, commissioned February 4, 1842. 
Nathaniel B. Eldred, commissioned March 30, 1843. 
John J. Pearson, commissioned April 7, 1849. 
John J. Pearson, elected October 14, 1851. 



Ob ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

CURIOUS CASE OF SWINDLING. 

About the year 1790, there flourished amoug the poor resi- 
dents of the western part of Berks county, a noted swindler 
named George Savin, alias Greene, He was a man of talent, 
possessed a winning address, and was a thorough master in quick 
and correct discernment of character, which enabled him for a 
long time to prey upon the purses of his credulous neighbors 
with impunity. The following extract from 2d Yeats' lieports 
will explain the character of his swindling operations : 

^[At Nisi Frius, at Ilarrishurg — Octoher Assizes, 1798. 

CoRUM, Yeats and Smith, Justices, 

Aeram Stout against Randolph Rassel. 

Special action in the case. The plaintiff declared that whereas 

George Savin, alias Green, was indebted to him in £100, the 

defendant, in consideration that the plaintiif promised to accept 

him as his debtor in the room of the said George Savin, alias 

Green, on the 2d July, 1790, promised to pay him the said £100 

within six weeks from that time or sooner, nevertheless, &c. 

Plea non assumpsit. 

The evidence on the trial turned out as follows : 
Savin was an artful swindler, and gulled a number of ignorant 
persons to deliver him divers sums of gold and silver, under a 
pretence that he would double the amount by some chemical 
process in a short period. He first received, as if reluctantly, 
some small sums, and delivered to the adventurers in his bank, 
(so called,) a few days afterwards, genuine Spanish dollars, ap- 
parently new, doubling the sums paid him. When his fame was 
sufficiently known, and the avarice of the weak people in the 
neighborhood highly inflamed, he soon got into his custody con- 
siderable sums, and then decamped privately in the night from 
his haunt — a retired place twelve miles from Reading, and con- 
cealed himself in Dauphin county. To his latter hiding place 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 87 

he was pursued by the plaintiff and one Francis Urabehocker, 
two of his dupes, who offered a reward for apprehending him. 
The person whom they made use of for this purpose ingeniously 
held out to the defendant the lure of having £200 in specie at 
home, ready to be put into Savin's bank, if he should come to 
his house and receive it for multiplication. Some strong suspi- 
cious circumBtances were shown against the defendant as being 
in connection with Savin. The latter first came to the house, in 
pursuance of the scheme, about ten o'clock at night of the 2d 
of July, 1790. The plaintiff and Umbehocker lay concealed in 
the barn, and were notified of Savin's presence. On their ap- 
pearance Savin was alarmed, and desired them to walk up stairs 
with him. On a signal given the defendant also appeared, and 
some altercation occurred ; but afterwards, on being informed of 
their respective demands, he became security for Savin's appear- 
ance at his house the next morning before day. Thither they 
all came on the 3d of July, 1790, and defendant promised to 
pay the plaintiff his demand against Savin, £100, within six 
weeks from that time, or sooner; and as Savin owed to Umbe- 
hocker $303 11, to pay him $100 down, and the residue on the 
Tuesday following, at the same house in Dauphin county. 
Whereupon Savin was set at liberty. 

Verdict pro quer for £149 17s. 6d. damages. Messrs. Cly- 
mer and Reed pro quer. Messrs. Ingersoll, Hopkins and Fisher 
pro def. 

A motion was afterwards made for a new trial, and a rule to 
show cause obtained ; but the argument coming on in December 
term, 1799, the defendant's counsel discharged the rule." 

THE TOWN INCORPORATED INTO A BOROUGH. 

The act to erect the town of Harrisbura; into a borough was 
passed on the loth day of April, 1791 ; and an act to alter the 
same without interfering with the boundaries originally laid 



OO ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

down, was approved February 1, 1808, on the ground " that ex- 
perience has fully proved that, owing to a difference in the local 
situation of the places, and various other causes, the act of As- 
sembly for erecting the town of Reading into a borough, how- 
ever applicable to the purposes for which it was originally in- 
tended by the Legislature, is not well calculated for the good 
government of the borough of Harrisburg ; therefore, be it en- 
acted, that the said town of Harrisburg shall continue and for- 
ever remain a borough, under the name and title of the ' Bor- 
ough of Harrisburg j' the extent and limits of which shall be 
the same as in the original law, to wit : 

Limits of Harrisburg , incorporated \oth April, 1791. 

Beginning at low water mark on the eastern shore of the Sus- 
quehanna river; thence by the pineapple tree north sixty de- 
grees and one quarter east, seventy-nine perches, to an ash tree 
on the west bank of Paxton creek ; thence by the several cor- 
ners thereof three hundred and twenty-three perches to a white 
hickory on William Maclay's line; thence by the same, south 
sixty-seven and three quarters degrees west two hundred and 
twelve perches to a marked chestnut-oak, on the eastern bank 
of the Susquehanna; thence by the same course to low water 
mark to the place of beginning." 

The borough limits were extended by the act of the 16th 
April, 1838, by the 17th section of "An Act granting certain 
authorities to the cities of Lancaster and Philadelphia, and for 
other purposes," in the following language : " The north-western 
boundary line of the borough of Harrisburg shall be, and the 
same is hereby extended and enlarged as folloM'S : Extending it 
along the river line to the upper line of the land of the late 
William Maclay, on said river ; thence to Paxton creek, and 
thence along said creek to the north-western corner of the pre- 
sent boundary ;" thus annexing the town of Maclaysburg, or all 
that part of the present borough laying north-west of South 



ANNALS OP HAKRISBURG. 89 

street; and in the IStli section, giving its inhabitants the privi- 
leges and subjecting them to the same liabilities as if they had 
been originally included within the corporate limits of said 
borough. 

The minutes of the first Town Councils are not to be found ; 
and the only record the compiler could discover relative to the 
affairs of the borough in the first year of its incorporation, is 
an account of the Overseers of the Poor, which reads as fol- 
lows : 

" To amount of Hogs and Butter for ye use of ye 

poor, £16 Is. lid." 

DEATH OF JOHN HARRIS, Je. 

John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, died 29th July, 
1791, and is buried in the graveyard of Paston church. He 
was about sixty-five years of age. 

COST OF THE COURT HOUSE. 

The Minutes of the first Boards of County Commissioners 
are not to be found, and it is therefore difiicult to discover any 
great amount of information respecting the erection of the 
county buildings. There is, however, in the Commissioners' 
ofl6.ce, what is entitled an " Order Book" for the year 1785, 
which gives the receipts and expenditures of the county for 
that year. By it we learn that the old Jail was erected at a 
considerable period before the present Court House ; for among 
the first expenditures noted in the book are sums of money paid 
for the erection of a " stone wall around the goal," 

The expenditures made for the construction of the Court 
House we find to be as follows : 

12 



90 



ANNALS OF HAERISBURG. 



James Mitchell, new 


Court House, 


Mitchell & Kapp, 


do 


John Kean, 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do^ 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


John Kean & R. Harris, 


do 


do do 


do 


do do 


do 


do do 


do 


do do 


do 


do do 


do 


Robert Harris, 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


Trustees, 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


John Cumins, 


do 


James Ingraham, 


do 


Benjamin Kurtz, 


do 


John Balsely, 


do 


Connelly & Rowen, 


do 


do do 


do 


Frederick Cleckner, 


do 


do 


do 


William Wray, 


do 


C. Kuncle, 


do 


do 


do 


Benjamin Trego, 


do 



£ s. 


D. 


103 





8 9 


10 


5 


6 


79 10 





93 72 





500 





100 





100 





100 





400 





10 14 





152 4 


2 


150 





250 





75 16 


11 


75 





18 15 





37 10 





75 





5 2 


8 


3 7 


6i 


4 12 


l" 


17 12 


8 


30 7 


3 


85 15 





269 12 


2 


2578 3 


8 


5 





1 2 


G 


3.. 





18 


9 


172 15 


4 


115 6 


8 


11 


3 


7 


6 


2 17 


6 


12 


6 


2 14 


8 


14 7 


2 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



91 









■ £ 


S. D. 


Bricker & Bennet, 


new 


Court House, 


4 15 7i 


L. Lemmers, 




do 


5 


5 10 


Charles Rowen, 




do 


9 


11 1 


do 




do 


6 


16 IJ 


Henry Bruner, 




do 


2 


17 6 


Jacob Wain, 




do 


10 


11 8 


H. Eckert, Jail and 




do 


15 


16 9 


H. Ford, 




do 


6 


6 


Court House Bell, 


, 


. 


131 


18 10 


Residue of Bell, 


, 


. 


26 


13 10 


Henry Brimer, 




. 


2 


5 


Neiv Bell, 







112 


10 


THE MARKET 


HOUSES— THEIR COST. 





In the borough account for the year 1807, we find a state- 
ment of the expenditure of monies for the construction of mar- 
ket houses, the sum total of which was $915 86. The first 
buildings appropriated to this purpose were very small, and in 
the language of an old citizen, " mere sheds in comparison with 
the present capacious buildings." 



GREAT SICKNESS AT HARRISBURG. 



About the year 1793, Harrisburg was exceedingly sickly. A 
fever of a violent character, similar to the Yellow Fever, pre- 
vailed, especially among the new settlers or foreigners. At the 
same time the Yellow Fever was prevailing in Philadelphia, and 
fears were entertained of its introduction into Harrisburg. A . 
patrol was accordingly established at the lower end of the town, 
to prevent infected persons of Philadelphia from coming into 
it. A large number of Irish emigrants died, and some of the 
citizens : but most families of thg place were to some extent 
afflicted. 



92 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

A MILL DAM THE SUPPOSED CAUSE THEREOF. 

A mill dam, owned by two men named Landis, was generally 
thought to be the cause of this sickness, and the citizens entered 
upon decisive measures for its removal. Meetings were held, 
committees appointed, funds were raised and tendered to the 
Landis' s, the mill dam removed, the mill purchased, &c., as will 
appear by the following extracts from papers furnished by the 
late Hon. J. C. Bucher and R. F. Kelker, Esq., and published 
in Rupp's History of Dauphin county : 

MEETING OF THE CITIZENS. 

''At a meeting of the inhabitants of the borough of Harris- 
burg, on the 16th day of January, 1795, it was unanimously 
agreed that two thousand and six hundred pounds be immedi- 
ately assessed on the property of the citizens of the said bor- 
ough; that one thousand and six hundred pounds of the said 
sum be collected on or before the 6th day of March next; that 
the remaining one thousand pounds be secured to be paid, with 
interest, in two equal annual instalments, and that the whole 
(to wit : the £1600 in cash, and the residue in bonds) be ten- 
dered to Peter and Abraham Landis, or either of them, propri- 
etors of the mill and other water-works, with the appurtenances 
thereto belonging, near the borough aforesaid, as a full compen- 
sation for their property in the same ; and that in ease they 
refuse to accept the said sum as a full compensation for the said 
mill, with the appurtenances, that then we unanimously agree 
to prostrate the dam erected on the waters of Paxton creek, for 
the purpose of conveying water to said mill, and pay our pro- 
portionable parts of all legal expenses and damages that may 
accrue on any suit or suits, indictment or indictments that may 
be brought or prosecuted in consequence of such act or acts. 

Witness our hands and date aforesaid : [Here follows the 
signatures of over one hundred citizens.] 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



93 



The following subscriptions were made by tbe citizens named 
to the mill-dam fund, independent of the amount assessed upon 
their respective properties at the town meeting : 

" We the subscribers do promise to pay the sums annexed to 
our names, to Conrod Bombaugh, Esq., as a gratuity towards 
paying the expense of the purchase or the reduction of the mill- 
dam on Paxton creek, next the borough of Harrisburg, and that 
when called upon. Witness our hands, January 21st, 1795 : 



Wm. Crabbe, 


, $20 00 


Edward Crouch, . 


. $2 00 


Major Swiney, 


. 15 00 


William Stewart, . 


. 2 00 


George Whitehill, . 


10 00 


Samuel Finney, 


. 2 GO 


Jacob Burckart, . 


. 8 00 


John Weidman, 


. 2 00 


George Reitzell, 


. 6 00 


James Byers, 


. 2 00 


Soloman Markel, . 


. 4 00 


John Martin, 


. 1 00 


John PeifFer, 


16 00 


Peter Lien, . 


1 00 


Anthony Seyfort, . 


10 00 


Simon Bassler, 


1 00 


John Maclay, 


20 00 


George Lutz, 


50 


Benj. Hunt, . 


10 00 


William Krebbs, 


1 00 


Jacob Fridley, 


2 00 


Jacob Zeigler, 


1 00 


John Patterson, 


4 00 


Jacob Fetter, 


1 00 


John Gilchrist, 


6 00 


William Porter, 


. 2 00 


Joseph Weigley, . 


8 00 


C. B 


1 00 


John Spangler, 


8 00 


Peter Bobe, . 


1 00 


Thomas Gregg, 


10 00 


Christian Walborn, 


1 00 


Thomas Dickey, 


2 00 


Thomas Trousdale, 


1 00 


Mordecai M'Kinney, 


4 00 


William Allen, 


2 00 


Samuel Awl, 


4 00 


Robert Freckelton, 


2 00 


Irwin & Howard, . 


12 00 


Jacob Houck, 


6 00 


William Patterson, 


4 00 


Charles Rowan, 


2 33 


John M'Farlind, . 


4 00 


Rudolph Kelker, . 


4 00 


Anthony Kelker, . 


2 00 


James Reed, . » » 


1 00 


Robert Boal, 


2 00 







94 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



An Estimate of the proportion of each citizen of Ilarrisburg 
to purchase the Mill belonging to the Landis fainili/, in order, 
luith Divine favor, to rehtore the borough to its former state 
of health and prosperity. 





£ 


s. 




£ 


s. 


Awl, Jacob, Exec, . 


15 





Brua, Peter, . 


. 6 


6 


Allen, Jacob, . 


4 





Clark, Widow, 


. 1 


4 


Allen, George, 


4 


IG 


Crabb, AViUiam, 


. 4 


8 


Allen, Joseph, 


4 


4 


Conrod, Hem-y, 


. 10 


16 


Allcorn, James, 


1 


4 


Cummins, John, 


. 1 


4 


Armstrong, Andrew, 


14 


12 


Chambers, John, Exec, 


. 1 


10 


Abbot's House, 


2 


14 


Carson, William, 


. 1 


4 


Benner, John, 


4 


2 


Clunie, James, 


. 17 





Bennet, Thomas, 


2 


4 


Cassel, George, 


. 3 





Boyd, John, 


2 


14 


Cairns, James, 




12 


Boyd, Adam, . 


23 


2 


Comfort, John, 


. 6 


18 


Bucher, Jacob, 


6 


14 


Culp, Mark, . 


. 2 


8 


Bruner, Henry, 


6 


6 


Degar, Jacob, . 


2 





Brindle, Philip, 


7 


12 


Duncan, James, 


. 20 


14 


Boyd, Widow, 


5 


8 


Downey, Charles, 


2 


8 


Bader, Henry, 


7 


4 


Denning, Peter, Exec, 


. 6 





Bombach, Conrod, , 


20 


4 


Davis, Samuel B., . 


2 


16 


Berryhill, Alexander, 


12 


12 


Drawley, John, 


2 


16 


Bollinger, Widow, . 


1 


16 


Dentzell, John, 


. 5 





Bombach, John, 


1 


4 


Dickey, William, 


. 1 


4 


Bleymire, John, 






Dickey, Thomas, 


. 2 





Beatty, Gawin, 


1 





Ebright, Jacob, 


. 16 


10 


Barr, Alexander, 


7 


4 


Elder, John, , 


. 4 


16 


Brooks, James, 


3 





Earnest, John, 


. 3 





Berryhill, Alex., Sr., 




IG 


Ebbert, John, 


. 11 


16 


Berryhill, Samuel, . 


. 3 


14 


Eiteneyer, Widow, . 


. 1 


4 


Baker, Peter, 


8 





Elliot, James, . 


. 2 


8 


Burmister, Charles, 






Ensminger, Michael, 


. 1 


16 


Brooks, John, 


7 


16 


Elder, Joshua, 


. 45 





Beaty, James, 


. 12 





Fisher, George, 


. 40 





Balzly, John, . 


. 9 


12 


Fulton, Henry, 


. 16 


16 


Bennage, Lawrence, 


. 4 


10 


Fenton, Benjamin, . 


. 6 


12 


Barr, Kobert, . 


. 4 


4 


Feger, John, . » 


. 1 


16 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



95 





£ 


s. 


Feder, John, . 


. 4 


10 


File, John, 


. 2 


8 


Fridley, G. & Barney, 


. 12 





Ford, Henry, . 


7 


4 


Firestone, George, . 


. 7 


4 


Forrest, Andrew, 


. 6 


lb 


Fogelsanger, John, . 


. 6 





Foster, Thomas, 


. 14 


8 


Grayuon, Alex. 


. 18 





Gregg, Thomas, 


. 6 


12 


Geiger, Barnhart, . 


. 4 


4 


Greenawalt, Christian, 


. 4 


10 


Gilmore, Moses, 


. 12 


12 


Gillem, John, . 


• 6 


14 


Gibson, Reuben, 


. 2 


4 


Glass, William, 


. 4 


16 


Graybill, Peter, 


. 6 


14 


Gray don, William, . 


. 4 


16 


Girt, Frederick, 


. 3 





Galbraith, John, 


. 1 





Greegor, Martin, 


. 2 


4 


Hess, George, 


. 7 





Horning, Stephen, . 


. 6 


12 


Hamilton, Widow, . 


. 16 


16 


Hamilton, John, Exec, 


. 36 


18 


Hoge, John, 


. 9 





Hocker, John, 


. 16 


4 


Horter, Valentine, . 


. 7 


4 


Hoyer, George, 


. 23 


14 


Hume, John, , 


, 4 


10 


Hocker, Adam, 


. 13 


10 


Hocker, Christopher, 


. 13 


10 


Hillegas, Conrad, , 


. 3 





Hill, Samuel, . 


. 10 





Heafley, John, 


. 3 


6 


Heas, John, 


. 10 





Hutman, Mathias, . 


. 2 


8 


Hartman, George, . 


, 2 


14 


Hatz, George, 


. 3 


8 



House, Joseph, 
Heaming, Jacob, 
ITolstein, George, 
Horning, Conrad, 
Irwin, Robert, 
Issett, Henry, 
Ingram, William, 
Irwin & Howard, 
Kamp, William, 
Kunkle, Christian, 
Krause, John & Andrew, 
Kunkle, Peter, 
Ivreamer, John, 
Kapp, Michael, 
Kean, John 
Kurtz, Benjamin, 
Knatcher, Michael, 
Kapp, Michael, Jr. 
King, Charlotte, 
Koffman, Andrew, 
Kleckner, Frederick 
Luther, John, 
Laffery, Justinia, 
Lever, Nicholas, 
Lawyer, Adam, 
Liphart, Henry, 
Lever, George, 
Little's house, 
M'Cart, Robert, 
Machemy, John, 
Murry, William, 
M'Carty, Benjamin, 
Mish, Jacob, . 
Maclay, John, 
Mooney, Abraham, 
M'Mannus, Patrick, 
M'Laughlin, Alexander 
Murray, Patrick, 
Mytinger, Lewis, 



£ 
. 2 


s. 



. 9 





. 9 





. 2 


8 


. 20 


8 


. 6 


18 


. 3 


8 


. 12 





. 1 





. 22 


18 


Irew, 10 


4 


. 1 





. 4 





. 18 





. 11 


4 


. 3 





. 2 


14 


. 6 





. 1 


4 


. 9 





- 1 





. 19 


16 


. 1 


16 


. 7 


16 


. 1 


4 


. 3 





. 2 


8 


. 3 





. 1 


4 


. 5 


8 


. 3 


12 


. 2 


16 


. 15 


18 


o 


12 


. 1 


16 


. 2 


8 


der, , 1 





. 1 


16 


. 1 


4 



96 



ANNALS OP HAERISBURG. 





£ 


s. 




£ 


s. 


Mitchell, James, 


. 7 


4 


Romjeaw, John, 


. 4 


4 


Murphy, Barney, 




18 


Riehm, Andrew, 


. 6 


18 


Miller, John, . 


. 12 





Redding, George, . 


. 6 


18 


Morse, Moses, 


. 2 


8 


Ramer's Executors, 


. 3 





Montgomery, Alex., 


. 2 


4 


Rothroff, Henry, 


. 2 


12 


Miller, Jacob, 


. 2 





Saur, Charles, 


. 3 


6 


Moore, Thomas, 


. 3 





Snyder, Simon, 


. 2 


8 


Montgomery, Joseph, 


. 15 





Stoehr's house, 


. 4 





Martin, J. & Thomas, 


. 5 


14 


Sweeney, Major, 


. 6 





Mackey, James, 


. 1 


16 


Stehley, Widow, 


. 9 


12 


Miller, Charles, 


. 2 


12 


Seez, Balthazar, 


. 4 


4 


M'Allister, Archibald, 


. 1 


4 


Seez, Christopher, , 


. 7 


16 


M'Caslin, John, 


. 2 


2 


Stephen, Hugh, 


. 2 


4 


Newman, john, 


. 2 


2 


Smith, Nicholas, 




18 


Norten, John, 


. 15 





Smith, Casper, 


. 9 





Newman, Nicholas, . 


2 


18 


Sweigart, Daniel, . 


. 2 


14 


Newman, Andrew, . 


. 2 


18 


Shoch, John, . 


. 1 


10 


Ott, Nicholas, 


. 10 





Smith's, Miss, 


. 6 


2 


Peter, Henry, 


. 1 


4 


Shields, John, 


. 1 


4 


Peifer, George, 


. 9 





Scarlett, David, 


. 1 


10 


Peifer, John, 


. 2 





Sawyer, James, 


. 6 


18 


Potts, Stacy, 


. 6 





Shrom, Jacob, 


. 2 


14 


Poat, Joseph, 






Sawr's, Casper, house, 


. 2 


16 


Patterson, Gailbraith,* 


. 10 


16 


Syfert, Anthony, 


. 3 


12 


Pool, John, 


. 1 





Sheets, John, 


. 1 





Pancake, Valentine, 


. 3 





Smith, Widow, 


. 1 


4 


Pancake, George, . 


O 





Snyder, Adam, 


. 1 


10 


Patterson, Robert, . 


. 2 





Sayler, Henry, 


. 4 


16 


Pool, John, Jr., 


. 6 





Syboth, Tobias, 


. 9 





Pfieager, Frederick, 


. 5 





Snyder, John, 


. 2 


8 


Porter, William, 


. 3 





Sealey, John, 


. 


15 


Peters, Michael, 


. 2 


16 


Staugh & Volesanger, 


. 1 


4 


Rymuth, Philip, 


. 12 





Tresenrider, Conrad, 


. 8 





Ritzell, Jacob, 


. 10 


16 


linger, Peter, 


2 


4 


Keel, Anthony, 


. 1 


18 


Updegraif, Abraham, 




18 


Reel, Philip, 


. 2 


6 


Whitehill, George, . 


. 4 


10 


Ritz, John, 


. 1 


10 


Willson, William, . 


. 7 


4 



* Subscribed ,£20. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



97 



Thomas Forster, 
Thomas Murray, 
Samuel Weu% . 



Wain, Jacob, 
Walter, Peter, 
Whitehill, Robert, 
Wickersham, Hannah 
Weir, Samuel, 
Weatherhold, Widow and 

George, 
Wingert, Widow, 
Welchance, Jacob, 
Weathrup, John, 
Waltz, George, 
Walters, Christopher 
Wingert, Simon, 
Wilson, John, 



Thomas Elder, 
Samuel Laird, 
Andrew Mitchel, 
John Patterson, 
Dr. Spangler, 
Joseph Wageline, 
AVilliam Wallace, 
Jacob Bener, . 
Adam Brady, . 
Jacob Burkhart, 
John Burkinbine, 
Jacob Bretz, 
Jacob Feger, . 
Jacob Glass, 
Piobert Hunter, 
Philip Iloring, 
George Hocker, 
Bryan Hooper, 
John Irwin, 



£ 


s. 


1 





8 


2 


2 


14 


6 


4 


4 






topher. 



6 
8 8 

7 4 
3 
2 4 
2 4 

2 
1 4 

SINGLE 
6 

6 
6 
6 
G 
6 
6 

3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
6 



Wallace, Benj., 
Wilhelm, Jacob, 
Wyeth, John, . 
Williams, Vincent, 
Williams, Chris 
Youse, Jacob, 
Youse, Frederick, 
Youse, George, 
Young, Robert, 
Zollinger, Jacob, 
Zinn, John, 
Ziegler, George, car 
Ziegler, George, 
Zerver, Frederick, 



p enter. 



MEN. 

Michael Krell, 
Anthony Leyer, 
Peter Reitzel, 
James Shaw, . 
William Wanless, 
William Martin, 
WilliamBrown, 
Michael Kuntz, 
John Lear, 
Duncan M'Gachin, 
James Elliot, . 
John Ober, 
James Simpson, 
John Umholtz, \, 

John Weaver, . 
William Porter, 
William Irwin, 
Mathias Henderson, 



FOR LOTS OF GROUND. 

. 1 16 Moses Gillmore, 
. 1 16 JohnEbbert, . 
» 1 16 Henry Bruner, 



£ s. 

10 

2 8 

2 8 

1 4 

2 
2 8 
2 14 
6 

1 4 

14 14 
10 

15 

2 

2 

3 12 

3 12 
3 12 
3 12 
3 12 

3 12 
3 12 
2 8 
2 8 
2 8 
2 8 
2 8 
2 8 
2 h 
2 8 
2 8 
2 8 
6 



1 16 
1 16 
1 4 



13 



98 



ANNALS OP HARRISBUKG. 





£ s. 






£ 


s. 


George Hoyer, 


. 2 8 


Mengel's Executors, 




7 


4 


Chris. Kunkle, 


. 1 10 


Shouffler, for Shock's 


bouse, 5 


8 


Michael Kapp, 


. 1 10 


Henry Issetts, for Smith's 




George Beddich, 


. 1 12 


house. 




3 


12 


William Maclay's land in 


Conrad Bombach, for 


Sey 






borough, 


. 2 14 


fort's house, 




9 


6 


Peter Lyeth, . 


. 2 20 


Brindle and Montgomery, 


4 


10 


Ed. Bark's house, 


. 3 


Haller's house. 




6 





Weir's out-house, . 


. 6 


Bobert Hill, . 




1 


16 


John Weir's house, . 


. 4 16 


Casper Smith, 




1 


16 


Alexander Miller, . 


. 2 8 


John Boyd, 




10 


4 


Peter Pancake, 


. 6 


Thomas Gray, 




8 


2 


James Boss, . 


. 3 


Leys, 




10 


16 


Beitzell's house. 


. 3 


Body Fraizer, 




6 





Harris' Executors, Snyder's 


William Glass, 




1 


18 


house, 


. 6 12 










LANDLORDS WnO DO NOT LIVE 


IN TOWN, OE, OTHER HOUSES 






Martin Gregor, 


. 2 


Edward Lynch, 




8 


4 


Margaret Bolinger, 


. 2 


Samuel Grimes, 




18 





Mar. Stiller, . 


. 3 4 


Yv^idow Wither old, . 




18 





Chamber's Exec, 


. 4 16 


Joseph Dritt, . 




7 


16 


William Wallace, 


. 7 4 


Tobias Seyboth, 




3 





Andrew Stewart, 


. 6 8 


Welshoffer, 




5 


8 


Henry Sailor, 


. 1 


County of Dauphin, 




72 





James Humes, 


. 5 12 


Bricker's house, 




8 


8 


John Steinmetz, 


. 12 


Br. Fahnestock, 




8 


14 


Joshua Elder, 


. 22 10 


Frederick Youse, 




9 


6 


Col. Shouffler, 


. 16 4 


Bev. Nathaniel Snowden, 


6 





Michael Kapp, 


. 15 


Bev. Shaffer's house. 




8 





Samuel Berryhill, 


. 3 


Bev. Hautz, 




8 






In addition to the amount of money so raised, the heirs of 
John Harris, Messrs. David Harris, Robert Harris, William 
Maclay and John A. Hanna, paid $1,600, the purchase money, 
or perhaps something more than the amount which the Landis's 
had paid for the property. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 99 

"At a meeting of the committee of seven, appointed to su- 
perintend and direct the appropriation of the monies raised for 
the demolition of the mill-dam, and for the further removing 
the nuisance in Paxton creek, April 8, 1795 : 

"At Brindle's — Present, Potts, Gilmore, Berryhill, W. Gray- 
don, Dentzell, Bucher, Kean. 

" John Kean was appointed Secretary and Treasurer. 

u Ordered, that the Treasurer take up the bonds due to Adam 
Boyd and to George Allen. 

"Adjourned to Saturday evening next, at 6 o'clock, at Mr. 
Berryhill's. 

" Saturday, 11th. — The committee met and viewed the dam, 
and adjourned till Monday evening at 6 o'clock, at Berryhill's. 

" Monday, loth. — Met, and the members mentioned the 
names of persons wishing to borrow money. Agreed, that the 
money be retained in the Treasury a few days longer. 

" Agreed, that on Saturday next, at 1 o'clock, the bell be 
rung, and the inhabitants assemble and demolish the remainder 
of the dam. 

THE MILL-DAM DESTROYED BY THE CITIZENS. 

" Saturday, ISth.-^The committee met, and proceeded with 
a number of the inhabitants to the dam. Committee hired four 
persons to open the bed of the creek twelve feet wide, which 
was done, and the persons employed were paid six dollars, which 
was raised by voluntary contribution on the spot. 

" Saturday, 25th April, 1795. — The committee met. Peter, 
John and Abraham Landis attended, and offered to take $2,000 
for the water-right, which the committee positively refused. 

THE MILL SEAT PURCHASED BY THE CITIZENS. 

"April 25, 1795. — Peter, John and Abraham Landis sold to 
Stacy Potts, Moses Gilmore, William Gray don, Jacob Bucher, 



100 ANNALS OP HAERISBURG. 

John Kean, John Dentzell, and Alexander Berryhill, of the 
borough of Harrisburg (a committee chosen at a public meeting 
of the inhabitants of the said borough, at the court room, on 
the 7th of April,) sold and conveyed to them their mill, &c., 
for £2,633 4s. 6d., "to hold and to have the said two pieces of 
lands, houses, mills, mill machinery, &c." 

This sum, as before stated, was raised by taxing the citizens. 
The payments were made in three annual instalments; one-half 
of the amount assessed was paid in 1794 ; one-half the balance 
in 1795, and the balance in 1796. For example, a citizen taxed 
£4 had to pay £2 in 1794, £1 in 1795, and £1 in 1796. 

It may be remarked that some citizens who refused to con- 
tribute to the subscription, were obliged to leave the town. No 
violence was offered to them, but no one would employ them in 
their several pursuits, and they at length went elsewhere. 

The mill seat, with the privileges of a dam and mill-race, 
was originally purchased from John Harris, J.r, by the Landis's, 
April 16, 1790 ; subsequently they purchased a small piece of 
land from Gen. John A. Hanna, adjoining that purchased from 
Mr. Harris. 

The mill was erected about one-quarter of a mile below Har- 
risburg, about as low down as the old ''White House," between 
the "old mill road" and the canal; and the race extended up 
along or nearly along the present route of the Pennsylvania canal, 
to a lane which ran across to the ridge, about the upper line of 
the brickyard field opposite Pratt's Rolling Mill, where the 
dam was erected. 

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE MILL-DAM TROUBLES. 

Another writer, in describing the mill-dam difficulties, states 
that "the money raised by subscription was tendered to the 
Landis's, who refused it. The citizens then prepared for the 
forcible removal of the dam, and the Landis's threatened to use 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 101 

force to prevent it. The citizens accordingly marched in a body 
to the dam, on a cold, snowy day in March. The owners were 
there with several men, armed with guns, threatening to fire. 
The citizens, however, advanced into the water, and the dam 
was soon demolished. The Landis' threatened suit, and the 
citizens handed them a list of several hundred names to be sued: 
but the proprietors finally took the monej." 



ALEXANDER GRAYDON, ESQ., ON THE SICKNESS. 

Alexander Graydon, Esq., an uncle of H. Murray Graydon, 
Esq., of Harrisburg, in his " Memoirs," a work of sterling in- 
terest, alludes to the sickness at this place while speaking of 
the Yellow Fever that raged in Philadelphia. He says : 

" Measures were taken in almost every town and village to 
prohibit the entry of persons suspected of infection ; and even 
fugitives from the seat of it, though in health, were regarded 
with a jealous eye. Some of the people of Harrisburg were 
for following the example of their neighbors, though a malady 
not less fatal than that in Philadelphia was raging among them- 
selves. But the difference was, that one was called a plague, 
the other but a simple fever. It is somewhat remarkable, that 
if yellow fever is of foreign origin, as insisted upon by many, 
that a disease of a similar type should make its appearance at 
the same time on the banks of the Susquehanna, at the distance 
of an hundred miles. Shall we say, that the state of the atmos^ 
phere which generated the one, was favorable to the diffusion 
of the other ? This, I believe, is the doctrine of those who 
contend that the yellow fever is of exotic growth, and always 
imparted when it appears among us. I would venture, however, 
no opinion on the subject. With respect to the mortality pro- 
duced by the two diseases, that at Harrisburg was, I believe, in 
proportion to the population of the place, as great as that at 
Philadelphia. I cannot take upon me minutely to describe the 



102 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

symptoms of the Harrisburg disease, nor were they the same in 
all that were sick; but a general one was, an aiFection of the 
stomach, or nausea, with violent retchings, and a yellowness of 
the skin. Some were ill a week, some longer, some died in two 
or three days from the time of their being seized, and others 
who were walking about with symptoms only of the ague, sud- 
denly took ill and expired. The hlach vomit, which has some 
time been supposed peculiar to the yellow fever, appeared in 
some cases. I was attacked with a quartan ague about the mid- 
dle of September, but had none of the grievous symptoms of 
the malignant fever which prevailed. 

" The matter which produces ague, i. e., miasmata, caused 
by vapors from low and marshy situations and waters, rendered 
baneful from certain adventitious circumstances, may be pro- 
nounced to be the support or aliment of all diseases, more par- 
ticularly of the latter, perhaps, when the exhalations are ren- 
dered more than commonly noxious, from the general state of 
the atmosphere — this cause existed at Harrisburg. A mill-dam 
had been erected the season before on the Paxton, rather a tur- 
bid and sluggish stream, within five or six hundred yards of the 
middle of the town, on its eastern side. The obstruction must 
have spread the water over a surface of from eight to ten acres; 
and this, co-operating with a state of the atmosphere, unusually 
morbid this season in such situations, may fully account for the 
fear which prevailed. 

" In the fall of the year 1792, there were some cases of it, 
and still more in that of 1794, equally malignant, after which 
the mill-dam was removed. I have been the more particular 
on this subject, though without being able to offer anything 
satisfactory, from knowing it to have been a matter of some in- 
terest with the physicians of Philadelphia to ascertain the nature 
of the Harrisburg disease, thence to deduce data towards the 
solution of the question, whether the yellow fever, as appearing 
in our cities, be, or not, a malady of exclusively foreign origin." 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 103 

The " Oracle of Dauphin," printed here at the time, contains 
a number of spirited communications upon the mill-dam trou- 
bles. 

One writer, in alluding to the tender of the terms of sale de- 
manded by the Landis' a year previous, says : " Should they 
(Landis') refuse to accept them now, there cannot be a doubt 
but that we shall be fully justified, both upon the principles of 
law and justice, in prostrating the dam. * * * * As to 
those persons who may refuse to contribute, in proportion to their 
ability, to do away with this dreadfully destructive nuisance, I 
hope their fellow-citizens will have spirit enough solemnly to 
agree to have no kind of dealings with them, and (as far as in 
them lies) by all just means to oblige them to leave the town, 
and make room for others who may have more sense than hu- 
manity." 

Another writer says : " Fellow-citizens, you have acted justly, 
and you have acted with patience, in offering to pay the man's 
price before you came to the resolution of destroying this reser- 
voir of contagion. * * * Go on, gentlemen, in an under- 
taking which is founded in such justice; make up the £2600, 
and tender it according to the man's terms ; and if he does not 
receive it, have respect for yourselves, for your families, and for 
your solemn resolution — Tear down the mill dam !" 

The editor of the " Oracle" wrote as follows : '* On Thursday 
last, a committee appointed by the citizens of Harrisburg waited 
on Abram Landis and Peter Landis, and tendered the whole 
demand they made last year for the mill, with its appurtenances, 
agreeable to the terms they had proposed , but they now thought 
proper to require a much greater sum ; wherefore, apprehending 
that the owners of the said mill intended, through the distress- 
ing calamities thought to be occasioned by the mill-dam, to ex- 
tort an enormous price from the people for the enjoyment of 
health, by the unreasonable sum now demanded for the mill, 
they did almost unanimously proceed, on Saturday afternoon last. 



104 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

to take down and destroy that intolerable nuisance which has for 
three years past rendered this borough a mere hospital and grave- 
yard ; and therefore it is now hoped that, under the blessing of 
Divine Providence, this once flourishing place may be restored 
to its former state of healthiness and. prosperity." 

FIRST NEWSPAPER IN HARRISBURG. 

The first newspaper printed in Harrisburg was established in 
1791, by Mr. John Wyeth, father of the Messrs. Wyeth still 
residing here. It was called " The Oracle of Dauphin, and 
Harrisburg Advertiser," and was published every Blonday, in 
Mulberry street, at fifteen shillings per annum. It was a com- 
mon folio, and its pages measured 17 by 9 J inches, containing 
three columns each. We have before us several bound files of 
this paper from 1794 to 1802, from which we extract a number 
of items that will be read now with interest. 

THE "WHISKEY INSURRECTION"— UNITED STATES TROOPS 
AT HARRISBURG. 

1794, Sept. — " On Friday, three companies of horse, containing 
in all 130, arrived from Philadelphia, the whole under the com- 
mand of Capt. John Dunlap. The company of light dragoons, 
commanded by Capt. John Irwin, of this town ; the corps of 
light infantry, commanded by Capt. George Fisher, with the 
most distinguished ofiicers of the county, were paraded all in 
complete uniform, in order to receive them. After the usual 
ceremonies, the dragoons dismounted to refresh themselves, and 
yesterday morning they proceeded to Carlisle." 

" Tuesday last, passed through this place, on their way to 
Gen. Wayne's army, about 80 regular troops, commanded by 
Captain Lyman. They were from the State of Massachusetts, 
and in good spirits." 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 105 

" Thursday evening, arrived here from New Jersey, under the 
command of Richard Howell, Esq., Governor of that State, 
about 370 dragoons, completely mounted and equipped — all vol- 
unteers. It raining very rapidly on their arrival, the citizens of 
Harrisburg, with their usual degree of affection to the sons of 
liberty and patriotism, voluntarily opened their doors for their 
reception. The next morning they crossed the Susquehanna, 
on their way to Carlisle, after expressing their satisfaction in the 
following manner : 

' The commander of the Jersey militia detachment feels him- 
self bound to acknowledge the politeness of the citizens of Har- 
risburg to his company, and requests that their gratitude and 
his own, joined with the highest respect, may be signified in a 

proper manner. 

EICHARD HOWELL, 

Commandant Jersey detachment. 
Hareisburg, Sept. 25, 1794.' " 

" Harrisburg, Dec. 1, 1794. — On Tuesday last, arrived in 
town from the westward, Capt. M'Pherson's company of Blues, 
belonging to Philadelphia, and the next morning proceeded 
homeward. 

"And on Saturday last. Brigadier General Proctor's brigade 
also arrived, and this morning early marched for their respective 
homes 

" Col. Chambers' brigade, we hear, will also arrive this day 
or to-morrow, with one hundred prisoners." 

VOLUNTEERS FROM HARRISBURG CALLED INTO SERYICE 
DURING THE INSURRECTION. 

The following is a list of the companies composing the second 
Pennsylvania regiment, ordered into service by President Wash- 
ington during the '' Whiskey Insurrection." The regiment was 
composed principally of citizens of Harrisburg and vicinity. 

14 



106 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG, 

Regimental Officers. — Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas Forster; 
Major, Frederick Hummel ; Paymaster, John Brown ; Sergeant 
Major, Philip Stoher. 

Infantry. — Captain Wallace's company, composed of 1 cap- 
tain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 2 corporals, and 32 
privates — served 1 month and 20 days. 

7?{/?eme/i.~ Captain Ainsworth's company, composed of 1 cap- 
tain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 1 corporal, and 19 pri- 
vates — served 1 month and 20 days. 

Captain Deviu's company, composed of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 
1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 30 privates — served 1 
month and 20 days. _ 

The above list of companies is taken from the advertisement 
of the paymaster of the troops, published in the " Oracle of 
Dauphin," in January, 1795. It is presumed that the compa- 
nies named were only mustered into the service of the United 
States, but did not march to the scene of the rebellion. 

A company of volunteers, however, from this place, com- 
manded by Capt. George Fisher, father of J. Adams Fisher, 
Esq., actually marched as far as Carlisle on their way to the seat 
of the rebellion. At Carlisle, Capt, Fisher was elected Major 
of the battalion of troops from this and adjoining counties. 

GEN. WASHINGTON IN HARRISBURG. 

" On Friday last, (October 3, 1794,) the President of the Uni- 
ted States arrived in town. The pleasure excited in beholding, 
for the first time, our beloved chief in this borough, is not easily 
described. The following address was delivered to him by the 
Burgesses, in behalf of the town : 

To Ids Excellency George Washington, President of the United 
Slates of America : 
Sir : We, the Burgesses and citizens of Harrisburg, while 
we rejoice in the opportunity of presenting our respects to 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 107 

a character so justly revered and dear to Americans, we can- 
not but lament that we should owe it to an interruption of the 
peace and prosperity of our country, those constant objects of 
our public care. We trust, however, that the just indignation 
which fires the breasts of all virtuous citizens at the unprovoked 
outrages committed by these lawless men, who are in opposition 
to one of the mildest and most equal of governments of which 
the condition of man is susceptible, will excite such exertions, 
as to crush the spirit of disaffection wherever it has appeared, 
and that our political horizon will shine brighter than ever on a 
dispersion of the clouds which now menace and obscure it. 

Though our sphere of action is too limited to produce any im- 
portant effects, yet we beg leave to assure your Excellency that, 
so far as it extends, our best endeavors shall not be wanting to 
support the happy constitution and wise administration of our 
government. 

Signed, in behalf of the borough, 

CONROD BOMBAUGH, 
ALEX. BERRYPIILL, 

Harrisburg, October 3, 1794. Burgesses. 

GEN. WASHINGTON'S REPLY. 

To the Burgesses and other citizens of Harrishurg : 

GrENTLEMEN : In declaring to you the genuine satisfaction I 
derive from your very cordial support, I will not mingle any ex- 
pression of the painful sensations which I experience from the 
occasion which has drawn me hither. You will be at no loss to 
do justice to my feelings. But relying on that kindness of Pro- 
vidence towards our country which every adverse appearance 
hitherto has served to manifest, and counting upon the tried 
good sense and patriotism of the great body of our fellow-citi- 
zens, I do not hesitate to indulge with you the expectation of 
such an issue as will serve to confirm the blessings we enjoy 
under a constitution that well deserves the confidence and sup- 
port of virtuous and enlightened men. To class the inhabitants 



108 ANNALS OF HARRISBURQ. 

of Harrisburg among this mimber, is only to bear testimony to 
the zealous and efficient exertions which they have made towards 
the defence of the laws. GEORGE WASHINGTON." 

Me. GRAYDON ON THIS OCCURRENCE. 

Mr. G-raydon, who then resided at Harrisburg, speaks of this 
occurrence in his " Memoirs," as follows : 

''The Western Expedition, as it was called, gave me an op- 
portunity of seeing a number of my old friends from Philadel- 
phia ; and it afforded also a momentary triumph to the poor 
handful of Harrisburg federalists, who were stated by their op- 
ponents to amount to only five. 

A French flag, which had been flying at the Court House, 
then building, had been the cause of some squabbling in the 
newspaper; and this flag was peremptorily ordered to be taken 
down by the troops from the city. Had I been disposed for 
revenge, I might, upon this occasion, have been fully gratified, 
as I was repeatedly asked who had caused it to be put up, and 
impliedly censured for giving evasive answers to the questions; 
which, from their manner, evinced a disposition to treat the 
authors of it much more roughly than would have been agree- 
able to me. 

" Conspicuous among the crowd that rolled on to the east- 
ward was Gov. Miiflin. On the day of his arrival he convened 
the people at the market house, and gave them an animated 
harangue, in which there was nothing exceptionable, save a mon- 
strous suggestion that the British had stirred up the discontents 
to the westward, and been the cause of the present opposition 
to the Government. 

" A few days after the Governor, Gen. Washington, accom- 
panied by Col. Hamilton, came on. After waiting on them, I 
prevailed upon the Burgesses to present an address to the Pre- 
sident, which I sketched out, and which, from the cordiality of 
the answer, appeared to have been well received." 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 109 



WHERE WASHINGTON LODGED. 

In the preface to Napey's Harrisburg Directory for 1842, it 
is stated that " Greneral Washington's head-quarters while at 
Harris' Ferry, on the Western expedition, were in a small frame 
house which stood, until the last few years, at the corner of 
Vine and Paxton streets." A similar statement is made by 
another writer, in the preface to Osier & Irvin's Harrisburg 
Directory for 1858. 

This account, from all the evidence the compiler has been 
able to gather, is incorrect. The " small frame house" above 
alluded to was built for, and used for a number of years after 
Washington's visit here, as 2^ ferry houae, not a house of "pub- 
lic entertainment," but a common rendezvous for the ferry- 
men, and, in the language of an old citizen, who often visited 
it, ''a place where people went to get booked for a passage over 
the river." 

The only houses of public entertainment that existed in that 
immediate neighborhood in 1794 — the time of Washington's 
visit — was that known as the "Bell Tavern," kept by one Simon 
Snyder, a vendue cryer by profession, and that kept by Nicholas 
Ott. The former was situated on the site of the new brick 
house recently erected by Mr. Shellenberger, on Front street, a 
few doors below what is now called Washington avenue, and the 
latter is still occupied as a tavern by Mr. Hogan. Both of these 
buildings were wooden structures, the latter at that time painted 
red, and were what might be termed second-rate taverns ; hence 
it is not likely that the good citizens of Harrisburg would have , 
permitted their beloved Chief Magistrate to lodge here, if they 
had any better accommodations to offer. 

Mr, Peter Snyder, still living, was a lad about fourteen years 
of age when Washington visited the borough. Was standing 
at the corner of Mulberry and Second streets when Washington 
passed up the latter street ia a carriage. The General had his 



110 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

hat off, and Mr. S. distinctly recollects his commanding form, 
as he stood up in the carriage, returning the salutations of the 
surrounding multitude. The carriage containing the General 
passed up into Market square, followed by an immense concourse 
of people. Is pretty certain the General lodged over night at 
the tavern situated on the east corner of Market sti^eet and the 
square. Never heard any other place assigned as his lodging 
place vphile here but that. The General was accompanied to 
the ferry next morning by the burgesses, Messrs. Bombaugh 
and Berryhill; and when he had embarked upon the flat to 
cross the river, there was a discharge of artillery, stationed on 
the bank of the river, near the graveyard. 

Mr. Henry PefTer, still living, was a lad about six years of 
age when Washington passed through the borough. Eecolleets 
the form and features of the General as he passed through 
Second street into the square. Heard the General deliver his 
address in reply to the burgesses, from the steps on the Market 
square side of the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. I'elieves 
that the General also lodged at that tavern, but is not positive. 
Has never heard any other place but that tavern assigned as his 
quarters while here. 

Mr. James R. Boyd, still living, was a lad about four years 
old when Washington arrived here. Came with his mother 
from Front street to Chestnut and Second streets, where he saw 
the General pass up the latter street into the square, accompa- 
nied by a great crowd of people. Concurs with Mr. Peifer in 
the belief that Washington made his head-quarters while here 
at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. Never heard any other 
place assigned as his stopping place while here. 

The father of Francis Wyeth has often told him that Wash- 
ington lodged over night at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. 
Mr. Wyeth, with Mr. Thomas Eider, was boarding at that tav- 
ern at the time. 

Mr. Jacob Ziegler, still living, came to Harrisburg in De- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. Ill 

cember, 1794, two months after Washington's visit here. Has 
always heard that upon that occasion Washington lodged at the 
tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. The house had been used as 
a tavern eight or ten years before his arrival here. 

jMr. Benjamin Taylor, still living, was about fifteen years old 
when Washington arrived here, but was out of town upon that 
occasion. Has always heard the tavern indicated by Mr. Sny- 
der as the place where Washington stopped during his stay 
here ; never heard it contradicted. 

Messrs. Valentine Hummel, John Kelker, Robert Gillmore, 
George Eicholtz, J. Adams Fisher, Jeremiah Reese, and other 
old citizens, all concur iu the belief, from what they have always 
heard, that Washington lodged while here at the tavern indi- 
cated by Mr. Snyder. 

From the above testimony it is pretty conclusive that during 
Gen Washington's visit to the borough he made his head-quar- 
ters at the brick tavern which, a few years ago, stood on the 
site of the present "Jones House,'' at the east corner of Market 
street and the square, and that it was named the "Washington 
House" in remembrance of tlvat event. 

It is probable, however, that a portion of Gen. Washington's 
staff, with the small troop of dragoons composing his escort, 
lodged for the night in the neighborhood of the lower ferry, 
perhaps at Ott's or the Bell tavern. The detachments of troops 
that had previously passed through the borough to join the main 
body of the army on the Western expedition, hivouaced for a 
few hours on the bank of the river, near the lower ferry. Some 
of these troops jpassed over the river at what was called the up- 
per ferry, at a point above where the Water-house is now situ- 
ated. 

POSTMASTERS OF HARRISBURG. 

The first postmaster in Harrisburg under the federal consti- 
tution was Mr. John Wyeth, editor of the " Oracle." The Post 



112 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Office was kept witli his bookstore, at his residence in the build- 
ing at present owned and occupied by Mr. John Knepley, on the 
south side of Second street, below Mulberry. We append a list 
of the postmasters who succeeded Mr. Wyeth, to the present 
day: 

John Wright, Isaac Gr. M'Kinley, 

Mrs. John Wright, A. J. Jones, 

James Peacock, John H. Brant, 

George W. Porter. 

FIRST MAIL CARRIER FROM HARRISBURG NORTHWARD. 

Mr. Benj. A. Taylor, still a resident of the borough, was one 
of the first mail carriers from Ilarrisburg northward. His route 
extended to Alexandria, Huntingdon county, and the mails were 
carried on horseback. In this way it was usual for him to ride 
two hundred and sixteen miles every six days. 

THE FERRY TO LET. 

The following are among the advertisements in the " Oracle" 
for March 23, 1795 : 

*' Harris' Ferry. — To be let, for the term of one year, by 
public vendue, on Wednesday, the 25th of March instant, at 
the house of Mr. Conrod Bombaugh, in Harrisburg. Attend- 
ance and terms made known by 

VAL. HUMMEL, 
CONROD BOMBAUGH, 
DAVID KRAUSE, 

Commissioners." 

THE HARRIS MANSION TO LET. 

In February, 1795, Mr. David Harris, of Baltimore, a son of 
the founder of Harrisburg, advertised several valuable lots for 
sale on Second and Back streets ; also, " his large lot and stone 



ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 113 

house, built of the best materials, containing four spacious rooms 
on the first story, with fire-places in each, and six rooms on the 
second, with a large stone kitchen, and a stable which will con- 
tain thirty or forty horses ;" adding, " there is an excellent cel- 
lar under the whole house, divided into three apartments, with 
vaults, &c. This property is under rent till the first day of 
April, 1796, at £80 per annum/' 

A NEGRO FOR SALE. 

" A healthy, stout negro wench, about thirty-three years of 
age. She is excellent for cooking, washing, and any kind of 
house or kitchen work, and understands feeding cattle, and any 
work necessary on a farm. For terms, apply to the Printer." 

Similar advertisements frequently appear at this period. 

A FOURTH OF JULY IN HARRISBURG SIXTY-TAVO YEARS AGO. 

" Last Saturday presented to our view another anniversary of 
Columbia's freedom, being twenty-three years since a noble band 
of her legitimate sons assumed the daring efi'rontery to declare 
us a SOVEREIGN AND INDEPENDENT NATION, capable of declar- 
ing war, concluding peace, contracting alliances, capturing whole 
armies, transporting, hanging and shooting tories, &c. &c., with- 
out the assistance of • these our roi/al letters patent.' This me- 
moriable il.ty w.is distinguished by every demonstration of joy 
and mii-th which the importance of the occasion could possibly 
inspire true sons of patriotism in this town. About 12 o'clock 
the bell rang as a signal for the citizens to proceed to the Fed- 
eral Spring^ [on the ridge near Haehnlen's tavern, north-east 
of Harrisburg] where, and under the boughs of the spreading 
arbor, they partook of a public entertainment provided by a com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose; after which. Gen. Hanna 
being unanimously appointed to preside as President, the foUow- 

15 



114 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

ing toasts were given under a discharge of cannon from citizen 
Fenton." — Oracle, July 6, 1795. 

REMOVING OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

" On Wednesday next, tlie committee appointed by the Gov- 
ernor and directors of the Maryland Susquehannah Canal, meet 
in this town to concert with the citizens of Pennsylvania on the 
most eligible mode of removing the obstructions in the river 
Susquehannah. In consequence of which the inhabitants of 
this town, and those of the neighborhood, are requested to meet 
at the Court House this afternoon at 4 o'clock, in order to ap- 
point a committee to co-operate in a measure calculated to pro- 
mote the interest of the public in general," — Oracle. 

At a respectable meeting of a number of gentlemen from the 
counties of Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Cumberland, Mifflin, 
Huntingdon, and Northumberland, in the State of Pennsylva- 
nia, and the counties of Cecil and Harford, in Maryland, held 
at Harrisburg, on Wednesday, the 12th day of August, 1795, 
for the purpose of concerting the most eligible mode of improv- 
ing the navigation of the river Susquehanna, it was 

Re&olved, unanimously, That subscriptions be immediately 
opened to raise a sum of money for removing the obstructions 
and improving the navigation in the bed of the river Susque- 
hanna between Wright's Ferry and the Maryland line; and that 
half the money thus subscribed be made payable on the 11th 
day of September next, and the other half on the 1st day of 
August, 1796. 

Resolved, That the following persons be empowered and re- 
quested to solicit subscriptions for the purpose aforesaid, and 
that they transmit monthly to the Treasurer hereinafter named, 
a particular account of all the monies subscribed on their re- 
spective lists. 

[Here follows the names of persons appointed in Cumberland, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 115 

Mifflin, Northumberland, Luzerne, Huntingdon, Bedford, Lan- 
caster, York, and Philadelphia counties, to solicit subscriptions.] 

The following named gentlemen were appointed for Dauphin 
county : John Kean, Archibald M'Allister, Martin Weaver, 
John Murray, James M'Creight. 

Messrs, Ephraim Blane, Robert Whitehill, John Bratton, 
George Gale and Samuel Hughes were appointed commissioners 
to superintend the work; and Stacy Potts, Esq., of Dauphin 
county. Treasurer of the fund. 

After this organization, the association published a spirited 
address, dated at Harrisburg, '' to all those interested in the 
navigation of the river Susquehanna;"" but we can find no record 
of its subsequent operations. 

The following advertisement appears in the '' Oracle" of the 
same date with the preceding : 

"Wanted, — A number of persons who are acquainted with 
blowing rocks and removing obstructions in the Susquehanna 
river, between the mouths of the Swatara creek and Juniata; 
those that can be well recommended shall have generous wages. 
Attendance will be given at Harrisburg during court week for 

making contracts, by 

SAMUEL BOYD and 
ELIJAH GREEN." 

HARRISBURG LIBRARY COMPANY. 

As early as 1794, some of the public spirited citizens of Har- 
risburg organized themselves into an association for mental im- 
provement and the promotion of the arts and sciences. This 
organization was called " The Mechanical Society of Harris- 
burg," and it held weekly meetings, generally at some one of 
the taverns in the borough. We find among its members the 
names of Stacy Potts, Henry Beader, Jacob Bucher, Jacob 
Reitzcll and Samuel Hill. From this Society originated the 
" Harrisburg Library Company," which was organized in the 



116 ANNALS OF IIAERISBURG. 

early part of 1795, by the election of the following named gen- 
tlemen officers for the ensuing year, viz : 

Directors. — John Kean, Rev. Henry Mceller, Gen. John A. 
Hanna, William Graydon, Adam Boyd, John Dentzell, Rev. 
Nathaniel Snowden and Stacy Potts. 

Secretary — Henry Fulton. 

Treasurer — Stacy Potts. 

THE FOURTH OF JULY IN HARRISBURG, 179G. 

Harrisburg, July 11, 1796. — " The Fourth of July was ob- 
served by the citizens of this town with much hilarity and so- 
cial glee. The dawn of that auspicious morning was announced 
to the inhabitants and neighborhood by a discharge from the 
field piece of Captain Kean's company. At 12 o'clock the citi- 
zens assembled at the Market square, formed a procession, and 
marched to Federal hill, preceded by Lieut. Elder's Light Dra- 
goons, the President and Managers of the day. Captain Fisher's 
Light Infantry and Captain Kean's company of Artillery, the 
Sheriff, the reverend Clergy and Magistrates. After partaking 
of a collation, the President, Gen. Hanna, gave the following 
toasts, each of which was accompanied by a discharge from 
Captain Kean's Artillery and Captain Fisher's Light Infantry." 
Oracle. 

THEATRE AT HARRISBURG IN 1796. 

" The Harrisburg Company of Comedians, we hear, intend 
giving the public a specimen of their abilities, some evening 
during the present week. Attendance and reasonable credit 
will he given." — Oracle, Sept, 12, 1796. 

"A number of young gentlemen of this town, on the evenings 
of Thursday and Friday last, performed the celebrated comedy 
of ''The Prisoner at Large," to a very numerous audience; 
considering the many inconveniences which these young men 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 117 

have surmounted in order to give a few hours amusement to 
this little social village, great credit is due them for their great 
perseverance and politeness/' — Oracle. 

SQUIRRELS BY THE BARREL, 

"According to modern prediction, the ensuing winter will be 
very severe indeed ; for never, perhaps, since the memory of 
man, were there known a greater quantity of squirrels than has 
been in this neighborhood since some days. We are told that 
during last week several hundred per day crossed the Susque- 
hanna from Cumberland into this county. Some of the inhab- 
itants, it is said, who live near the banks of the river, have been 
enabled to salt barrels of them for their winter's use." — Oracle, 
September 26, 1796. 

MISCELLANY. 

Among the business men in Harrisburg during the years 
1794;-'5 and '6, we observe by the advertisements in the "Or- 
acle" the names of Andrew Forrest, druggist. Chestnut street, 
near Front; Doctor John Spangler, Market square; Robert Ir- 
win, dry goods; Gregg & M'Connel, dry goods, Front street; 
.John Kean, dry goods and groceries; Irwin & Howard, dry 
goods. Market street ; Peter Fahnestock, druggist. Walnut st.; 
Stacy Potts, lumber; John Wyeth, books, &c.. Second street; 
Obed Fahnestock, books, "opposite the sign of the King of 
Prussia;" Dalzall & Awl, groceries. Front st. ; Andrew Grouse, 
tobacconist, Paxton street, " next to Mr. Robert Harris ;" Gus- 
tine & Ripton, groceries, brick house at the corner of Front 
and Chestnut streets ; Stewart & Wier, merchandise, " Second 
street, at the sign of the Lion and Unicorn ;" Thos. Murray, 
dry goods, Market street, "near the court-house;" Curtis & 
Dutton, button makers, opposite Casper Smith's tavern ; Thos. 
Foster, dry goods and groceries, Front street ; Jacob Singer, 



118 ANNALS or HAURISBURG. 

dry goods, Market square; Lepelletier & Benoist, groceries, 
&c., Front street; George Reininger, rope maker, Chestnut st.; 
Jacob Fridley, hatter, Front street; Jacob Burckhart, merchan- 
dise, turning, &c , Market square. 

Messrs. Peter Shaw, Anthony Seyfort, Alpheus Johnson, 
Moderwell, Richard Dougherty, and John M'Cann, re- 
spectively, advertise that they will " teach the young idea to 
shoot ;" and while the above named gentlemen directed the 

heads of their pupils, Messrs. Richard Haughton, Currier, 

and M. Peticollas, from France, instructed their feet in the 
" poetry of motion." 

The principal hotel at Harrisburg in 1796 was that known as 
the " Dauphin Hotel," at the sign of the ''Indian Chief," kept 
by John H.. Shaeffer, who devotes near a column of the "Ora- 
cle" in pointing out the superior merits of his establishment, in 
a style little less grandiloquent than that done now-a-days by the 
landlords of some of our hotel palaces. We cannot learn posi- 
tively where this hotel was situated. Some old citizens think it 
was the building afterwards known as the " Washington House," 
at the east corner of Market street and the square. 

PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS IN 1797. 

The difficulties that existed between the American Govern- 
ment and the Directory of the French people in 1797, created 
an unusual degree of excitement throughout the country, and 
preparations for war were made everywhere. The following ex- 
tracts will show the patriotism evinced by the citizens of Har- 
risburg on that occasion : 

" On Monday last, agreeable to notice given, the company of 
Light Infantry commanded by Captain Matthew Henry paraded 
at this place. Their commander, in a very animated address, 
informed them of the occasion of their meeting; when the 
young gentlemen unanimously offered their services as part of 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 119 

the quota of this State — to hold themselves ia readiness to 
march when called upon." — Oracle, Nov. 15, 1797. 

" On Saturday last, Captain Connelly's Artillery met at their 
usual parade in this town. The Captain addressed the com 
pany in a style of real patriotism, in which he plainly evinced 
the necessity and virtue of supporting the rights and laws of 
our country in time of danger. In consequence, we hear, all 
the members present, except one, voluntarily oifered themselves 
as a part of the quota to be furnished by this State." — Oracle, 
Nov. 22, 1797. 

In May, 1798, a large and respectable meeting of the citi- 
zens of the borough was held at the house of Mr. Andrew Ber- 
ryhill, when an address to the President, (John Adams,) of 
which the following is an extract, vv^as agreed upon : 

'' That in our opinion the conduct and designs of the French 
Republic (scarcely aggravated or made more apparent by the 
profligacy of their avowal) are such as to produce alarm and 
indignation in every breast which feels for the honor and hap- 
piness of America, and to excite the apprehensions of every 
man, of whatever nation or country, who may place a sense of 
justice, of morality and piety among the oroaments of his na- 
ture and the blessings of society. That under this persuasion, 
we hold it wise to be prepared for every event, and shall there- 
fore most cheerfully acquiesce in such measures of defence as 
may be adopted by you, sir, and the other branches of the Ad- 
ministration, at the present momentous period." 

The address was tiansmitted to the President, who acknowl- 
edged its receipt in an appropriate and extended reply, which 
commenced as follows : 

" To the Inhabitants of the Borough of Harri&burg , in the 
State of Pennsylvania : 
Gentlemen : Your address has been presented to me by Mr. 
Hartley, Mr. Sitgreaves, and Mr. Hanna, three of your Repre- 
sentatives in Congress. 



120 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

I know not which to admire most, the conciseness, the en- 
ergy, the elegance, or profound wisdom of this excellent ad- 
dress." 

The reply concluded as follows : 

" That America may have the glory of arresting this torrent 
of error, vice and imposture, is my fervent wish; and if senti- 
ments as great as those from Harrisburg should be found uni- 
versally to prevail, as I doubt not they will, my hopes will be 
as sanguine as my wishes. 

JOHN ADAMS. 

Phila., 12th May, 1798." 

INDIAN VISITORS. 

"Last Friday crossed the Susquehanna near this town, on their 
way to the President of the United States, sixty-three Indians 
and seven squaws, having in their custody a white man prisoner, 
(charged with having murdered one of their chiefs,) whom they 
mean to demand of the President, in order to sacrifice according 
to their custom, [pine-knot splinters and the stake !] and agree- 
able to treaty. It is said they are the principal Indians who fought 
at St. Clair's defeat." — Oracle, June 6, 1798. 

SINGULAR OCCURRENCE. 

On the night of June 18, 1799, two farmers residing near 
this place took a tour in the woods, in company with their dogs, 
to hunt racoons. They had not proceeded far ere they descried 
one of the animals they were in quest of, which they immedi- 
ately shot. As the weather was intensely warm, and they expect- 
ing to be abroad some time, they concluded not to keep the meat 
of their game, and therefore took the skin oiT and threw the car- 
cass away. The party continued scouring the woods during the 
greatest part of the night, but with indifferent success; at last, 
however, they observed their dogs had discovered something, 
which by their constant howling, induced the farmers to go to 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 121 

them. They found, on going up, their faithful servants atten- 
tively watching an old log, and upon making incisions in the 
same with axes, judge of their astonishment to see running from 
the log the very racoon %ohoi,e hide they already had in their 
possession! This circumstance is related in the ''Oracle of 
Dauphin' of 1799, as a fact. 

THE SEDITION LAW. 

The only arrest in Harrisburg under what is termed the 
"Adams sedition law," is noticed in the following paragraph 
from the ''Oracle of Dauphin" of August, 28, 1799 : 

"On Saturday morning last, William Nichols, marshal of 
Pennsylvania, arrested Benj. Moyer and Conrad Fahnestock, 
printers and proprietonj of the ' Dutch Aurora' of this borough, 
for publishing a ' false, scandalous and malicious libel against 
the laws and government of the United States.' They have 
given bail for their appearance at the District Court of the Uni- 
ted States, to be held at the city of Philadelphia, Octobes, 11, 
themselves in §2000, and four securities in §1000 each." 

The marshal who made the arrest was accompanied to the bor- 
ough by a troop of horsemen, and they made their entry into 
town up Front street. 

DEATH OF GEN. WASHINGTON. 

The " Oracle of Dauphin" of December 30, 1799, appears in 
mourning for the death of Gen. Washington. 

"At a meeting of a number of gentlemen of Harrisburg, at 
Capt. Lee's, [old Washington House] on Monday evening, De- 
cember 23, it was, among other resolutions, 

^^ Resolved, That as a mark of our unfeigned regret upon this 
melancholy occasion, we and our respective families will wear 
mourning for one month; and that we will recommend to such 
of our fellow-citizens as have similar feelings, to unite with us 

16 



122 ANNALS OF HARRISBURQ. 

in this small testimonial of respect and veneration for his (Wash- 
ington's) illustrious character." 

The citizens generally carried out the recommendation of the 
meeting. 

On the 9th of January, 1800, the citizens of Middletown and 
surrounding country testified their sorrow for the loss of the 
nation's favorite by meeting at the farm-house of Geo. Fisher, 
Esq., and moving therefrom in the following order to the meet- 
ing house: 

Trumpeteer. 

Cavalry on foot, swords drawn. 

Infantry, arms reversed, by platoons inverted. 

Rifle company, arms reversed. 

Militia officers in uniform. 

Music. 

Standard. 

Surgeons. 

Clergy. 

Pall bearers. 

Young ladies in white. 

Ancient citizens first. 

Citizens in general by two. 

Boys by pairs. 

Having arrived at the meeting house, the troops formed lines 

right and left, when the clergy, pall bearers and citizens entered, 

followed by the troops, while the Dead March from Saul was 

performed by the organist. 

The exercise was opened by a short prayer, and singing part 
of the 90th psalm. 

liev. Mr. Snowden and Rev. Mr. Mooller then delivered im- 
pressive and well adapted addresses. 

Most of the military who joined in the procession were from 
Harrisburg. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 123 



EARTHQUAKE AT HARRISBURG. 

On Thursday morning, the 20th of November, 1800, two 
shocks of an earthquake were sensibly felt by the inhabitants of 
Harrisbui'g and vicinity. The first took place about fifteen min- 
utes before five o'clock, and lasted about forty seconds. In some 
houses the effects were more visible than in others ; the knockers 
on some of the doors rapped as though they were moved by 
hands, and in one dwelling a set of china was shaken from a 
table and broken to pieces. The fright occasioned many of the 
inhabitants to rise from their beds. 

The second shock took place five minutes after five o'clock, 
and lasted about half a minute. It was not as severe as the 
former, but was sensibly felt in every dwelling. In both in- 
stances a rumbling noise accompanied the trembling of the earth. 

HARRISBURG IN 1808-'9-'10-'ll. 

In the year 1808, Mr. John Wyeth's paper, having reached 
its seventeenth volume, appeared enlarged from three to four 
columns, rendering its size nearly as large as the present daily 
papers gf the borough. Its title at this period was simply " The 
Oracle of Dauphin," the words " and Harrisburg Advertiser," 
which formed part of the title when it was first published, being 
omitted. The publication office had also been removed from 
ivjulberry to Second street, where it remained until September, 
1809, when it was again removed to Market Square. A large 
portion of each number of the paper is devoted to foreign news, 
detailing particulars of the Napoleonic wars. 

The following is a summary of the advertisements and items 
of local interest which appeared in the files of this paper from 
October, 1808, to October, 1811 : 

1808, October — The Harrisburg and Philadelphia stage adver- 
tised to start once a week* 



124 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Frederick Wolfersberger, Sheriff. 

Result of the State and county election held in Harrisburg : 

Governor — Simon Snyder received 534 votes. 

James Ross " 92 " 

John Spayd " 3 <' 

Co?2f/ress — Robert Whitehill '' 546 " 

David Baird " 639 " 

John Glonninger " 84 '^ 

Wm. Alexander '< 78 '' 

Assembly — Jacob Bucher " 557 '' 

James Wallace " 559 " 

Andrew Shultz " 561 " 

John Stoner " 55 " 

Jacob Beam " 49 " 

Chris. Ley " 49 '' 

Hon. John Joseph Henry, President Judge of the county 

court, offers to dispose of ten different tracts of land. 
A new mail stage line between Harrisburg and Alexandria, 
Huntingdon county, is advertised to run once a week. 
Fare for passage, $6. 
A dancing school '' at Mr. Norton's large room" is adver- 
tised. 
Samuel M'Clintock advertises a night school at his resi- 
dence, corner of Front and Market streets. 
November 12. — The friends of Mr. Simon Snyder, in Harris- 
burg, commemorated that gentleman's election to the 
Executive chair by a public dinner yesterday. Over 
one hundred and fifty persons sat down to the repast. In 
the evening a number of the houses were illuminated, 
and a huge lantern containing a number of lights, dis- 
playing sundry emblematical words thereon, was paraded 
through the streets. 
The stockholders of the Lancaster, Elizabethtown and Mid- 
dletown turnpike company are admonished to pay up 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 125 

arrearages to finish the road, otherwise " their names will 
appear in the papers." 

James M'Grianis desires patronage for a public school. 
1809; February. — The public are invited to attend the opening 
of the new Presbyterian Church, in Second street, on 
Sunday and Monday, the 12th and 13th. Several cler- 
gyman were expected to be present to install Rev. Mr. 
Buchanan as pastor thereof ; and some attention to music 
was to be given. 

Died, at Fort Hunter, a few miles north of the borough, 
aged about twenty-five years. Dr. Gates M' AUister, second 
son of Capt. Archibald M'Allisfcer. , 

Messrs. Hamilton, Albright and Ehrenfried proposed to es- 
tablish a German paper, to be called the " Volksfreund," 
in the borough. 

George Fisher, Esq., of Harrisburg, having laid out a new 
town called Harborton, at the confiuence of the Swa- 
tara with the Susquehanna, in Dauphin county, proposes 
to dispose of the lots at $60 each. The name Harbor- 
ton was subsequently changed to Portsmouth. 

" We learn," says the Oracle, " that the bill for the removal 
of the seat of government of Pennsylvania to Harris- 
burg has passed the Senate, and is to be taken up in the 
lower House this day," (February 25.) 
March 11. — The same paper says: "The act for removing 
the seat of government to Harrisburg is postponed in 
the Senate, and recommended to the early attention of 
the next Legislature, For postponing, 16 ; against it, 
14. 

In the lower House it was agreed not to take up the ques- 
tion of removal this session — yeas, 47 ; nays, 42. 
31arch 25. — At the election for borough officers on the 17th 
inst., Thomas Elder, Esq., was elected Chief Burgess, 
and Moses Gil more. Assistant Burgess. 



126 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

April 15. — At an election held on Wednesday last for Chief 
BurgesS; in place of Thomas Elder, Esq., who declined 
serving, William Graydon, Esq., was duly elected to that 
office. 

In the account of monies expended by the corporation of 
the borough of Harrisburg for the current year, appears 
the following : 

"To C. Kunkel, balance due for erecting market 
houses, $305 75" 

Mr. John Gingrich, of Londonderry township, offers to sell 
the time of a stout, healthy negro boy, aged about four- 
teen years. 

Mr. Jacob Steinman advertises entertainment for man and 
beast at the " Golden Lion," in Market street, opposite 
the Court House. 
April 22i. — The books for subscription to the stock of the 
company incorporated to erect a " permanent bridge over 
the Susquehanna at or near Harrisburg," are advertised 
to be opened on the 2d of May next, at the public bouses 
of Andrew Berryhill, George Brenizer, Daniel Stine, 
George Zeiglar and Jacob Fridley, in Harrisburg. 

The " Harrisburg Volunteers" are requested to meet at 
Col. Zeiglcr's on Monday next, by order of the Captain, 
John Irwin. 

Andrew Miller, of Paxton, three miles from Harrisburg, 
offers to sell a mulatto wench who has five years to serve, 
and has a child five or six months old, which will be sold 
,(' along. 

f Mot/ 13. — •The directors of the Philadelphia Bank appointed 
the following gentlemen directors of the office of discount 
and deposit established in this borough : Robert Harris, 
Samuel Laird, Christian Kunkle, George Hoyer, Obed 
Fahnestock, Jacob Bucher, John Forster, Conrod Bom- 
baugh, of Harrisburg; Elisha Green, Edward Crouch, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 127 

of Middletown ; John Carson, of Paxton ; Thos. Dun- 
can, James Given, Richard O'Bryan, of Carlisle; and 
Jacob M. Haldeman, of Allen township, Cumberland 
county. Robert Harris, President; Moses Musgrave, 
Cashier. 
The Bank commenced discounting on Monday, the 22d, 
following; and the days of discount were on each Mon- 
day afterwards. 
The office of the Bank was located in the building which 
stood until 1854, at the south-west corner of Market 
Square and Blackberry alley, the site of the present Har- 
risburg Bank building. It appears to have been the first 
banking institution in the borough. 

June 3.— The annual Spring Fair is advertised to be held on 
Thursday and Friday, the 8th and 9th of June, in Har- 
risburg. Great accommodations would be provided for 
pedlars and merchants of all descriptions. 

June 17.— On vVednesday, while a flat was crossing the river 
at the ferry three miles below the borough, (loaded with 
very valuable goods belongiag to a merchant in Ken- 
tucky,) several horses and sundry persons, it was sud- 
denly overtaken by a very violent gust nearly in the mid- 
dle of the river, and notwithstanding the utmost exer- 
tion of the ferrymen, was in a few moments sunk to the 
bottom. Fortunately, the wagoner had the precaution 
to disengage the horses from the wagon a few moments 
previous to the gale reaching them, by which means both 
the lives of the men and the horses were saved. The 
contents of the wagon were lost. 

June 10. — A grandson of the celebrated William Penn re- 
sided in the borough at this period, in the brick house 
owned at the time by Mr. John Wyeth, now occupied 
by Mr. John Knepiey, situated in Second street, below 
Mulberry. 



128 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

July 1. — Died, on Tuesday evening last, in Middletown, in 
the sixty-sixth year of his age, Mr. George Lauman, 
mason. His death was occasioned by a severe kick of a 
horse. 

July 8. — The anniversary of American independence was 
celebrated in a conspicuous manner by the Harrisburg 
Volunteer Light Infantry, and a number of other citi- 
zens of the borough. The Infantry, under the command 
of Ensign John Brooks, proceeded from Front street to 
the upper ferry, where they were received into a com- 
modious flat, and safely transported to William Maclay's 
island, opposite the town, at which place, by previous 
arrangement, a delicious repast was prepared. Dr. James 
M'Ginnis was chosen President, and Dr. Samuel Agnew 
Vice President. The company then took their seats and 
dined sumptuously; after which a number of patriotic 
toasts were drank, each accompanied by a regular volley 
of musketry. 
A number of the citizens of the borough also celebrated 
the day on '* Laurel Hill," near town. Dr. John Luther 
presided, assisted by John Downey, Esq. 

October 14. — At an election held at George Zeigler's, inn- 
keeper, on Thursday last, for officers of the Harrisburg 
Light Infantry, John Forster was elected Captain, James 
M'Ginnis, Lieutenant, and Charles Still, Ensign. 
The Harrisburg volunteers are notified to meet at Col. 
Zeigler's on Monday, the 16th, by order of the Captain. 
Henry Pefi'er, Sergeant. 

October 21. — ^'Anact relative to a niglitly loatcli. — Whereas, 
the President and Directors of the Philadelphia Bank, 
for the better protection and greater safety of the branch 
bank in the borough of Harrisburg, have appointed a 
watchman : and whereas, a number of the inhabitants of 
the said borough have contributed (with the approbation 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURQ. 129 

of the officers of said bank) an additional salary, for the 
purpose of compensating the said watchman to patrol a 
certain portion of the said borough at certain hours of 
the night ; therefore, in order to carry into effect the 
intention of so useful a regulation^ be it ordained/' &c. 
[The section invests the said watchman with all the au- 
thority of constables to arrest disorderly and suspicious 
persons.] 

The " persons who wish to encourage a singing school in 
the borough are requested to meet at Mr. John Nor- 
ton's." 

The Middletown races are advertised to commence on Wed- 
nesday, the 22d, on which day a subscription purse of 
$60 will be run for three mile heats. 

The Directors of the Poor advertise that the Poor House 
mill, with the appurtenances, will be rented on Thurs- 
day, the 7th of December. 

John Shoch advertises entertainment for man and beast at 
the sign of the " Wheat Sheaff," corner of Market and 
Front streets, in the borough. 
December 16.— Drs. Samuel Agnew and John Cleaveland 
commence a spirited controversy in the " Oracle" upon 
their respective professional merits. 
December 23. — The Commissioners of the county advertise 
the ferry at Harrisburg for rent. 
1810, January 12. — Mr. Colome, dancing mastei', Professor of 
the Academy at Paris and Madrid, gives notice that he 
will open a dancing academy at the public house of Col. 
George Zeigler, in the borough, en the 1st of March. 
February 17. — The editor of the "Oracle" says "we cordi- 
ality congratulate our fellow-citizens of Harrisburg on the 
pleasiug prospect of its shortly becoming the permanent 
seat of government for the great and respectable State of 
Pennsylvania. The following bill passed the House of 

17 



130 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Representatives of this State on Monday last, by a large 
majority, and in the Senate on Wednesday last, by a ma- 
jority of one vote; and nothing but the signature of the 
Governor is required to make it a law, of which not a 
doubt remains." [Here follows the act of Assembly es- 
tablishing the seat of government at Harrisburg, which 
will be found under the head of *' Removal of the Seat 
of Government."] 

March 3. — Accounts are given of experiments made at Wash- 
ington city with certain torpedoes and harpoons invented 
by one Robert Fulton, for war purposes, 'ihe editor 
admits that the machinery of the instruments were inge- 
nious, but places little confidence in their utility, and 
seems disposed to be facetious over their failure. [A few 
years previous, this same Robert Fulton had proved the 
practicability of navigating the North River, New York, 
with a steamboat of his own invention ] 

March 10. — In the proceedings of the Senate of February 
21, appears the following : 
'■^ To the Senate and House of Representatives : — Gentle- 
men : I have this day approved and signed the following 
act of the General Assembly, and directed the Secretary 
to return the same to the House in which it originated : 
' An act establishing the seat of government of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, in the county 
of Dauphin'" 

March 24 — Ai an election held on Friday, the 16th inst., for 
borough officers, Joshua Elder was elected Chief Bur- 
gess, and John Wyeth Assistant Burgess. .Messrs Ro- 
bert Harris, George Zeigler, John Shoch, Christian Kun- 
kle, Peter Keller, Jacob Boas, John Capp, John Irwin 
and Moses Gillmore were elected Councilmen. 

March 31 — Mrs. Smith, (late from Northumberland,) gives 
notice that she will open a school on Monday, the 2d of 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 131 

April, " at the house of Mr. Dubbs, next door to Mr. 
Stine's tavern." 
Chambers' Ferry, three miles below Harrisburg, is offered 
for rent. 

April 7. — Adam Rupley advertises accommodation for man 
and beast ''at the sign of the Bell," in the house for- 
merly occupied by Simon Snyder, and latterly by Her- 
man Frederick as a tavern, a few doors below Mr. Har- 
ris' stone mansion, in Front street. 

April 21. — A large vein of beautiful colored marble of supe- 
rior fineness was recently opened near the borough ; and 
another of a very fine white has likewise just been dis- 
covered on the plantation of Mr. Neidig, near the County 
Poor House. [Is this quarry exhausted ? — Com.'] 

May 5. — Died, on Wednesday afternoon, in this borough, in 
the forty-third year of her age, of pulmonary consump- 
tion, Mrs. Polly Cox, consort of the late Cornelius Cox, 
of Coxestown. This lady was distinguished for her en- 
gaging deportment through life. Her remains were de- 
. posited in the family graveyard at Coxestown. 

June 16. — Died, on the 12th inst., in this borough, of pul- 
monary consumption, Mrs. Catherine Elder, consort of 
Thomas Elder, Ksq., and daughter of the late Cornelius 
Cox, of Coxestown 

June 2. — The " Oracle" contains the following advertisement 
taken from a Baltimore paper. We give it a place as a 
curiosity : 
^^ Riflemen attention! — A man to be shot for the benefit 
of his wife and children — $1 a shot, one hui;dred yards 
distance, with rifles — on Wednesday, the loth inst., at 
Govanstown, at o. p. M. The above mentioned man is 
in a very low state of health, and wishes to leave bis 
family snug." .,;3.'sI-.Tk'> 

J Illy 7 — The thirty-fiiurth nnMivorsin-y of Aru'^^ican in(U>pen'- 



132 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

dence was celebrated by the citizens of the borough with 
the usual demonstrations of joy and patriotism. The 
morning was hailed by seventeen volleys from Captain 
Boas' company of Infantry; and about tea o'clock one 
hundred and fifty citizens, preceded by Capt. Boas' com- 
pany and martial and other music, walked in procession 
to an agreeable rural spot near the borough, where Moses 
Gillmore, Esq , was chosen President, and Jacob Bucher, 
Esq., Vice President of the day. The Declaration of 
Independence was read by the Vice President, and pa- 
triotic toasts drank. 

The " Harrisburg Volunteers," commanded by Capt John 
Irwin, met at an early hour at Col. George Zeigler's, 
from whence they retired to Maclay's Island, accompa- 
nied by Col. George Zeigler and Major Umberger, for 
the purpose of celebrating the day. The usual number 
of toasts were drank, each accompanied by a volley of 
musketry. 

On Thursday, the 5th inst , about thirty young ladies of 
the borough, desirous of emulating the other sex in their 
4th of July hilarities, marched to a beautiful spring near 
the town, and after an agreeable repast, spent the day in 
gay and cheerful conversation. During the entertain- 
ment they drank a number of patriotic toasts, "accom- 
panied with animating cheers." 
August 11. — Previous to the erection of the public sewers 
in Market and Second streets, the Square, or at least 
the greatest part thereof, was usually flooded with water 
aft^jr a heavy rain, which sometimes would remain there 
for a considerable period. In alluding to this circum- 
stance, the Lancaster Journal, under the head of '' In- 
land Navigation," intimates a design on the part of the 
citizens of Harrisburg to adopt the Venitian style of 
visiting in gondolas ! 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 133 

1811, January 19. — The Hon. John Joseph Henry, President 
of the Courts of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions for 
the district composed of the counties of Lancaster, York 
and Dauphin, resigned his office. 

January 26. — Appointment hy the Governor. — Walter Frank- 
lin, late Attorney General of the State, to be President 
of the Courts in the counties of York, Lancaster and 
Dauphin, in the room of John J. Henry, Esq., re- 
signed. 

February 2. — Departed this life on Monday morning last, 
after a short but severe illness, Dr. John Luther, in the 
fifty-fourth year of his age, for many years a useful, hu- 
mane, and fortunate practitioner in the science of physic 
and surgery in the borough. 

March 23. — The bill to appropriate S30,000 to complete the 
public offices at Harrisburg passed both houses of the 
Legislature, and only awaits the signature of the Gover- 
nor to become a law. 

April 6. — On Tuesday last the Legislature of this Common- 
wealth adjourned sine die. Among the most important 
acts it has passed was one appropriating $90,000 towards 
building a bridge across the Susquehanna river at Har- 
risburg. 

April 13. — On Sunday afternoon last, as two brothers and a 
sister, by the name of Hahn, belonging to Cumberland 
county, were attempting to cross the Susquehanna, near 
the borough, in a canoe, the youngest lad, aged about 
fifteen years, by some sudden jolt of the canoe, fell over- 
board, when the sister, about two years younger, with 
the view probably to save her struggling brother, was 
likewise precipitated into the river, and both were 
drowned before any assistance could be offered them. 

April 20. — Mr. John Wyeth, Editor and Bookseller, adver- 
tises a Circulating Library, charging each reader six 



134 ANNALS OP HARRISBUEG. 

cents per volume for perusing duodecimos, and ten cents 
for octavos. 
An ordinance was passed by the Town Council authorizing 
the town regulator to contract with some person for the 
erection of a sewer, " to carry off such redundant water 
as may from time to time collect in Market square." 
April 27. — Died at Lancaster, after many years afflicting ill- 
ness, John Joseph Henry. [The deceased was the first 
President Jujge of the courts in Dauphin county after 
the adoption of the new Constitution of Pennsylvania, 
in 1790, the judicial district then being composed of the 
counties of Dauphin, York and Lancaster. In the year 
1775, Mr. Henry, then a young man, joined the Ameri- 
can army at Boston, as a volunteer cadet, and at the 
close of that year he marched with the first Pennsylva- 
nia regiment on the expedition to Canada, a campaign 
distinguished in the history of the war for the gallantry 
and sufferings of the army. Of these sufferings Mr. 
Henry bore more than a common share, for he was among 
the first of seven (one of which was the notorious Aaron 
Burr) who volunteered to go in advance and explore a 
route for the army through the wilderness, for nearly 
300 miles, a service of great fatigue and danger. Du- 
ring that time, as well as before Quebec, young Henry 
acquired, by his bravery and good conduct, the approba- 
tion of his ofl&cers, who gave very honorable testimonials 
of his gallantry. At the storming of Quebec, under 
General Montgomery, he shared the fate of his brave 
but unfortunate countrymen, and was taken prisoner. 
While in that situation, having concerted a plan of es- 
cape with some of his associates, in order to rejoin the 
American army, he was closely confined in iions for 
many months, in which position he contracted a s or- 
butic coiuplaiut, which prevented his re entering the 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 135 

army on being released, and which, after impairing his 
health, reduced him to a state of great disease and de- 
crepitude, and rendered him prematurely old. — Fiom 
the report of a committee made to the Legislature in 
January, 1811.] 

May 4. — Died, on Saturday last, at New Market Forge, in 
this county, Mr. John Elder, Sr., aged about fifty-four 
years. His remains were interred in Paston burial 
ground, near the borough. 

May 25.— The " Yearly Market" at Middletown, Dauphin 
county, is advertised to commence on the 11th of June, 
at which time and place a great number of valuable 
horses, cows, sheep, lambs, calves, and hogs, with many 
articles suitable to the taste of the season, such as pick- 
led oysters, roast beef, punch and wine, will be offered 
for sale. The market to be enlivened with all kinds of 
music. 

June 22. — An unfortunate occurrence took place on Monday 
last at the public buildings in this place. While a num- 
ber of the hands were employed fixing a large stone 
about the cornice, a cross piece of timber which sup- 
ported the scaffold broke, which occasioned part of the 
scaffolding to give way, and precipitated four of the 
workmen to the earth. A Mr. Jesse Gohagan, who 
probably had hold of the stone at the moment, fell un- 
. der it, which mashed the entire upper part of his head, 
and killed him instantly. Two or three others had some 
of their limbs broken. The deceased resided within 
four miles of Baltimore. 

June 29. — The Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy adver- 
tise for a teacher. 

July 13. — The " Harrisburg Volunteers" celebrated the an- 
niversary of American independence by a public dinner 
on Maclay's Island. Samuel Agnew, Esq., ofiiciated as 



136 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

President, and Mr. Jolin Fager as Vice President, on 
the occasion. Appropriate toasts were drank, accompa- 
nied with discharges of musketry. 

REMOVAL OF THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TO HARRISBURG. 

The first indication of a realization of the prophecy of John 
Harris that the town he had laid out on the banks of the Sus- 
quehanna would become the future seat of government of Penn- 
sylvania, occurred in the winter of 1808-9. 

In the State Senate, on the 4th of January of the latter year, 
Mr. Laird presented the petition of sundry inhabitants of the 
town of Northumberland, in Northumberland county, stating 
the central situation of that place, and showing the advantages 
of fixing the State government there, offering accommodations 
for the officers of the State and members of the Legislature, and 
praying a removal of the seat of government thither. 

The petition was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. 
Laird, Htston, Doty, Hiester and Laycock. 

On the same day, the following preamble and resolution was 
presented to the Senate, and also referred to the same commit- 
tee : 

" Whereas, The books, records and documents belonging to 
the different departments of the government of this Common- 
wealth, particularly those of the Land Office, are in want of suit- 
able buildings for their safe keeping, greatly exposed to dan- 
gerous accidents by fire and otherwise — for a remedy whereof. 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and re- 
port a bill to fix the permanent seat of government at , 

in the county of , and provide for erecting thereat suit- 
able buildings for the accommodation of the Legislature, and 
the several offices attached thereto, before the first Tuesday in 
December, 18 — /' 

The committee to whom the subject was referred shortly after 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 137 

submitted a report recommending the removal of the seat of 
government to the town of Northumberland, in the county of 
Northumberland. The Senate, however, when considering the 
report, struck out the words " Northumberland, in the county 
of Northumberland." 

February 17, 1809. — In Committee of the Whole, in the 
Senate, Mr. Sommer moved to fill the blank with the words 
" city of Philadelphia." 

Mr. Sommer said he was as far removed from being influenced 
by any local interest as any member of the Senate. He wished 
to fix the seat of government permanently where it would most 
conduce to the interest of the people, and he believed Philadel- 
phia to be that place. Wherever the seat of government is, to 
that place trade will in some measure be directed ; and it is the 
interest of the State to secure the trade to her metropolis. 

Mr. Dorsey said there were already buildings in Philadelphia 
sufficient for all the officers of government and for the Legisla- 
ture. This was not the case elsewhere. If they removed to 
any other place, much expense would be incurred in the erec- 
tion of these buildings. He had many other reasons for voting 
for Philadelphia; but, under a belief that the seat of govern- 
ment would not be fixed there, he would not take up the time 
of the Senate in mentioning them. Any other place than Lan- 
caster, however, would be cordially voted for by him. He would 
vote even for Pittsburg. 

The motion to fill the blank with the word " Philadelphia" 
was lost — only eight yeas voting in favor of the same. 

Mr. Laird moved to fill the blank with the words '' town of 
Northumberland, in the county of Northumberland." 

Mr. Burrows said : This question was of the first importance 
to Pennsylvania; it was important to the State to concentrate 
her whole interest in fixing the permanent seat of government. 
And how is this to be done but by fixing upon as central a place 
as can be found. He confessed that, for this purpose, Harris- 

18 



138 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

burg was next to Northumberland ; but then Harrisburg was 
but twenty miles from the southern boundary of the State, and 
Northumberland was eighty. And (said Mr. B.) are we to fix 
it at Harrisburg, and make the people come over the mountains 
with knapsacks on their backs, only that the rich at this end of 
the State may have an opportunity of riding to the seat of gov- 
ernment in their coaches. 

Mr. Irish observed that he had lately examined all the situa- 
tions from the mountains above Harrisburg down to Columbia, 
and he thought the most suitable situation was near to Middle- 
town. That place, he said, was best to divert the trade to Phil- 
adelphia ; a canal was contemplated which would afford water 
carriage for produce to the city of Philadelphia from Middle- 
town. The situation at Harrisburg was very pleasant and hand- 
some, but it was not so eligible for the purpose of intercepting 
the trade and preventing its going to Baltimore. He thought 
a committee should be appointed to examine the situations on 
the Susquehanna, and make report to the next Legislature. 

The question was then taken on filling the blank with the 
words " the town of Northumberland, in the county of North- 
umberland," and lost — seven only rising in favor of it. 

Mr. Lane then moved to fill the blank with the words ''bor- 
ough of Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin ;" which was 
agreed to — 14 to 10. 

The resolution attached to the report was adopted ; when the 
committee rose, and the Speaker took the chair. 

The Senate proceeded to consider the report. 

Mr. Weaver moved to postpone the report for the purpose of 
introducing a substitute, which contemplated a purchase by the 
State of one hundred and fifty acres of land, the property of 
Abraham Huey, a short distance above Harrisburg. 

This (with the motion to postpone) was opposed by Burrows 
and Dorsey, on the ground that this land was to be purchased 
for the purpose of speculation, and that it was disgraceful for 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 139 

the Legislature to enter into it. Neither, they said, did this 
tract of land adjoin Harrisburg. 

The report was postponed, and the substitute introduced. 

Mr. Sommer moved to strike out that part of the substitute 
which authorized the purchase by the State of one hundred and 
fifty acres of land from Abraham Huey, Carried — ^yeas 13, 
nays 9. 

The part appropriating money for the erection of public build- 
ings, &c., was also stricken out. 

Mr. Roberts moved that the blank in the resolution attached 
to the substituted report be filled up with the words " first of 
November," which was agreed to ; and the substitute as amended 
was carried. 

Subsequent to this action, a bill for the removal of the seat 
of government to Harrisburg was prepared and considered in 
the Senate, and postponed until the next session. The House of 
Representatives refused to take up the bill during that session. 

No further action on the subject appears to have been had in 
the Legislature until February, 1810, when a bill, of which the 
following is a synopsis, passed both branches of the Legislature, 
and became a law : 

"An act estahlisJnng the seat of government of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg y in the county of Dau- 
phin. 

Sect. 1. Be it enacted, &c., That within the month of Octo- 
ber, 1812, all the ofiices attached to the seat of government of 
this State shall be removed to the borough of Harrisburg, in the 
county of Dauphin, by their respective holders, and shall after 
that period cease to be exercised elsewhere; at which said bor- 
ough of Harrisburg the session of the Legislature thereafter, as 
well as all future sessions, shall be held ; and the said borough 
of Harrisburg is hereby fixed and declared to be the seat of gov- 
ernment of the said Commonwealth. 



140 ANNALS OP HARRTSBURG. 

Sect. 2 — [Directs the Secretary of the Commonwealth, State 
Treasurer, Auditor General, Secretary of the Land Office, and 
Surveyor General, the clerks of both Houses of the Legislature, 
and all officers whose official duties are attached to the seat of 
government, to remove, or cause to be removed, all books, re- 
cords, papers, &c., to the said offices respectively, or to the State 
generally, to the borough of Harrisburg, in the manner provided 
for in this act.] 

Sect. 3. That Robert Harris, George Hoyer and George Zeig- 
ler shall be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, who, 
together with the respective officers aforesaid, shall superintend 
and direct the removal of the books, records, papers and other 
documents aforesaid, and shall provide at the borough of Harris- 
burg good and suitable rooms and apartments for the convenient 
accommodation of the Legislature, and also for the receiving, 
opening and depositing the said books, records, papers and other 
documents, and for conducting and transacting the business of 
the offices aforesaid, respectively; and in case of the resignation 
of any of the aforesaid officers, or of their or any of their ne- 
glect and refusal or incapacity to attend to the business of the 
removal aforesaid, then it shall be and may be lawful for the 
said commissioners, or a majority of them, to proceed therein as 
if the said officers were attending. 

Sect. 4. That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized 
and required, on behalf and in the name of this Commonwealth, 
to accept of the offer of ten acres of land in or adjoining the 
said borough of Harrisburg, at one hundred dollars per acre, 
made by William Maclay, adjoining to the four acre lot for- 
merly appropriated by John Harris, for the use of the State ; 
and to pay for the same and receive sufficient conveyances and 
assurances in fee simple therefor, to be recorded in the office for 
recording of deeds in the county of Dauphin aforesaid. 

Sect. 5 — [Appropriates |3,000 for the purpose of making 
the aforesaid purchase and discharging the expense of removal, 



ANNALS OP HAKRISBURG. 141 

to be paid in advance — $2,000 to the said commissioners, and 
$1,000 for the said purchase.] 

Sect. 6 — [Appropriates the further sum of $30,000 for the 
purpose of erecting the ofi&ces at the seat of government, to wit : 
one for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, one for the Secre- 
tary of the Land Office, one for the Surveyor General, one for 
the Auditor General, one for the Treasurer, and one for any 
purpose to which it may hereafter be applied, each of which 
shall be fire-proof, for the safe keeping of all the records and 
papers belonging to said offices.] 

Sect. 7. That the Governor is hereby authorized and required 
immediately after the passage of this act, to appoint, and by 
supplying vacancies happening from refusals to act or other 
causes, to keep in appointment as long as may be necessary, 
three commissioners, whose duty it shall be, immediately after 
their appointment, to fix upon a site in or on the four acre lot 
described in the fourth section of this act, or on the ten acre 
lot purchased from William Maclay, and procure one or more 
plan or plans on which the said offices are to be built, and after 
a place shall be agreed on, according to the provisions which 
hereafter follow, it shall be their duty to contract for, direct and 
superintend the building and completing of the said offices. And 
it shall also be the duty of the said commissioners, as soon as 
they shall have ascertained the site for the said offices and pro- 
cured one or more plans, to lay the said plan or plans before the 
Governor, Secretary of the Land Office, Surveyor General, Au- 
ditor General, and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, who, 
together with the three commissioners aforesaid, shall each have 
one vote in order to decide on a plan for the offices aforesaid ; 
and such plan as shall have a majority of the votes aforesaid, 
shall, by the commissioners aforesaid, be carried into execution. 

Sect. 8 — [Directs that as soon as the plan shall be decided 
on, the commissioners shall give notice in two newspapers of 
Philadelphia, Lancaster, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Pittsburg, 



142 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

and Reading, for four weeks successively, tliat proposals will be 
received by them until a certain day, by them to be fixed, from 
any person or persons who shall be willing to undertake the 
building of the offices aforesaid : Provided, that every contract 
sball be made in writing, and that the parties contracting with 
the said commissioners give bonds with sufficient surety for the 
performance of their contracts.] 

Sect. 9 — [Provides that the money appropriated for this pur- 
pose shall be paid by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, on 
the order of any two of the said commissioners, who are re- 
quired to keep strict accounts of their transactions, and to trans- 
mit an abstract thereof to the Governor once in every three 
months after their appointment.] 

Sect. 10 — [Provides that the aforesaid commissioners, before 
entering upon the duties of their appointment, shall subscribe 
to an oath or affirmation that they will faithfully perform the 
duties enjoined upon them by this act ; and that each of the 
said commissioners shall receive for every day's attendance upon 
the duties herein enjoined upon them, the sum of two dollars 
and fifty cents, and that any two of them may do and perform 
any act or duty herein enjoined on the said commissioners.] 

The commissioners on the part of the State, named in the third 
section of the above act, in their negotiations with Wm. Maclay 
for the purchase of the ten acres upon which the Capitol now 
stands, wished to have it adjoin the four acres and thirteen 
perches granted by John Harris, but as the grant of Harris was 
separated from the Maclay property by a range of five lots, ex- 
tending from High street to Third street, originally the property 
of the heirs of Harris, viz : of David Harris, Mrs. Maclay, 
Mrs. Hanna, James Harris, and Robert Harris, Mr. Maclay 
could not convey the title without first purchasing these lots 
from the then owners, which he did, and then conveyed the ten 
acres, as described in the deed from him to the Commonwealth. 
This deed; however, did not convey all the ground now enclosed 



ANNALS OF HARRTSBURG. 143 

as the public ground. In order to obtain it, the State, by vir- 
tue of an act of the Legislature, purchased lots Nos. 271, 272, 
273, 274 and 275 in the plan of the borough, from the indi- 
vidual owners, and after enclosing what was necessary to com- 
plete or square the grounds, and open High street as it is, sold 
the residue of said lots, lying between High street and Tanner's 
alley, and from Cranberry alley to the Maclay line, to the pre- 
sent owners or their vendors. 

The commissioners appointed by the Governor, by authority 
of the 7th section of the above act, were Wm. Findlay, Richard 
M. Grain, George Bryan, John B. Gibson, and William Gray- 
don, who immediately invited architects to exhibit to them plans 
and elevations for the contemplated buildings. A premium of 
$400 was to be given for the plan adopted by the Board, and 
$200 for that which they should adjudge the next best, Ste- 
phen Hills, Esq., was declared the successful competitor, his 
plan contemplating the connection of the main building with 
the offices by corridors. 

A supplement to the foregoing act was passed February 7, 
1812, which provided in the first section for the removal of all 
the offices, within the month of April, to the borough of Har- 
risburg, the change of all papers, records, books and documents 
placed with the clerks of the two Houses, and expenses to be 
paid under the authority of the second section, out of the money 
already appropriated for that purpose. 

The second supplement to the original act was passed the 10th 
March, 1812, which appropriated, in the first section, $13,000 
to complete the fire pi'oof offices at Harrisburg contemplated in 
the sixth section of the original act. 

In the second section it diiected the clerks of the two Houses, 
on or before the 1st of June next, (1812,) to remove, or cause 
to be removed, " all the papers, records, books and documents 
belonging to each House, as aforesaid, together with whatever 
furniture may be thought fit for removal.'^ 



144 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



From the above records, it is ascertained that the government 
of the State was removed, in all its departments, in the year 
1812, from Lancaster to Harrisburg, and that the first organiza- 
tion of the latter was in December of that year. 

The first sessions of the Legislature in Harrisburg were held 
in the present Court House building: the Courts, as previously 
stated, having vacated all the rooms therein excepting those 
occupied by the Prothonotary and Register, for that purpose. 
The large room on the second story was occupied by the Senate, 
and the present court room by the House of Representatives. 
The State Library was in the room now occupied by -the Town 
Council. The remaining rooms were used by the transcribing 
clerks and the committees of the Legislature. The circular vesti- 
bule in front of the building was erected by the State at this period. 



Recapitulation of Appropriations J or Public Offices. 

$30,000 
30,000 
13,000 
10,000 



By act of 21st February, 1810, 
" 28th March, 1811, 
«' 10th March, 1812, 

By resolution of 25th June, 1839, 



21st April, 1840, 



2,300 



THE STATE CAPITOL— ITS COST. 

By " an act to erect the State Capitol, passed the 

18th of March, 1816, there was appropriated . $50,000 

By "a supplement to an act providing for the erec- 
tion of a State Capitol, approved the 27th of Feb- 
ruary, 1819, there was appropriated . . . 70,000 

With the provision that said Capitol building should not cost 
naore than ......... 

By a further supplement, passed the 28th of March, 1820, 
for the purpose of constructing the columns and capitals 
thereof of hewn stone, and to cover the roof of the dome, 
&c., there was appropriated ...... 

Whole cost of Capitol, 



$120,000 



15,000 



$135,000 ! 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 145 

By the fourth section of a supplement to the foregoing act, 
approved the 27th January, 1819, the sums appropriated were 
directed to be paid to the builder and architect, as follows : 



First payment, 
Second payment, 
Third payment, 
Fourtli payment, 



Making 



$50,000 
30,000 
30,000 
10,000 

$120,000 



The fourth payment of ^10,000 by act of Assembly hereafter 
recited, was divided into two parts, for what reason is not stated ; 
the first of S3,000, and the last of ^7,000. 

The entire cost of the public buildings and grounds, up to 
January, 1819, as near as can be ascertained, was as follows : 

Cost of Executive offices north west and south-east of Cap- 
itol building $93,000 

Cost of Capitol, 135,000 

Cost of Arsenal, 12,000 

Public grounds, its enclosure and embellishment, . . 35,000 

Total, $275,000 



LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. 

The corner-stone of the Capitol was laid at twelve o'clock on 
Monday, the 31st of May, 1819, by Gov. Findlay, Stephen 
Hills, architect and contractor fur the execution of the work; 
William Smith, stone-cutter; and Valentine Kergan and Sam- 
uel White, masons, in presence of the commissioners, and a 
large concourse of citizens of Harrisburg; and was followed by 
three discharges from one of the public cannon. 

The Harrisburg band of music attended^ and added much to 
the interest and satisfaction which all seemed to feel and enjoy j 
and after the ceremonies of the occasion had been concluded, 
the commissioners, architect, stone-cutters, masons, carpenters 

19 



146 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

and workmen, with a number of citizens, partook of a cold col- 
lation provided on the public ground by Mr. Eahm. 

The commissioners deposited in the stone copies of the fol- 
lowing mentioned documents : 

Charter of Charles II. to William Penn. 

Declaration of Independence. 

Constitution of Pennsylvania, 1776. 

Articles of confederation and perpetual union between the 
several States. 

Copy of so much of an act of the General Assembly of Penn- 
sylvania, by which indemnity was made to the heirs of William 
Penn for their interest in Pennsylvania. 

Treaty of peace and acknowledgment by Great Britain of the 
independence of the United States. 

Constitution of the United States, 1787. 

Constitution of Pennsylvania, 1790. 

Acts of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, by which the seat 
of government was removed from Philadelphia to Lancaster and 
Harrisburg, and the building of a State Capitol at the latter 
place authorized. 

A list of the names of the commissioners, architects, stone- 
cutter and chief masons ; likewise a list of the then officers of 
the government of Pennsylvania, embracing the Speakers of the 
two Houses of the Legislature, the Governor, the Heads of De- 
partment, the Judges of the Supreme Court, and Attorney Gen- 
eral, with the names of the President and Vice President of the 
United States. 

It was a singular oversight of the commissioners or architect 
to omit distinguishing this stone by some appropriate mark or 
inscription. Out of twelve of our old citizens who witnessed the 
ceremony, the compiler could find but one (Mr. George Eich- 
oltz) who was able to inform him positively at which corner of 
the buildina; the stone is situated. This gentleman states that 



ANNALS OP HAREISBURG. 147 

ife is at the south-western corner ; and further, that " when Gov. 
Findlay went through the form of laying it, he accidentally 
broke the mallet, which was considered by the assemblage of 
people as a bad omen." 

FURNISHING STATE CAPITOL. 

An act providing for the furnishing of the State Capitol, and 
for other purposes therein mentioned, was passed March 30, 1821. 

Section 1. The Governor, Auditor General, State Treasurer, 
William Graydon, Jacob Bucher, Francis R. Shunk, and Joseph 
A. M'Ginsey appointed commissioners to superintend the fur- 
nishing the State Capitol. 

Section 2. Commissioners to contract in manner provided, for 
providing furniture for the Executive, enumerating the articles. 

Sections 3, 4 and 5 provide in like manner for furnishing fur- 
niture, closets, &c., for chambers of the Senate and House, and 
for the joint library and committee rooms, together with a six- 
faced clock, four of which shall be outside the dome, one to be 
fixed in a suitable place in the Senate Chamber, and the other 
in the Hall of the House of Representatives. 

Section 6 provides for building out-houses, levelling public 
grounds, paving, and authorizing the putting the telescope in 
the Library in complete order. 

Section 7. The sum of $15,000 appropriated, to be drawn on 
the warrant of the Governor to meet the foregoing provisions. 

DEEDS FOR PUBLIC GROUND, WITH THEIR DATES. 

Cost 1490, from John Fleck and wife to Commonwealth, for 
lots Nos. 271 and 272, August 27, 1828. 

Cost 1200, from Ebenezer Ward and wife to Commonwealth, 
for lot No. 273, July 16, 1828. 

Cost $200, from Joseph Black to Commonwealth, for lot No. 
274, August 7, 1828. 



148 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Cost $300, from John Trimble and wife to Commonwealth, 
for lot No. 275, August 4, 1828. 

The foregoing lots had for their boundaries High street, South 
street, Farmers' lane and Cranberry alley, authority for the pur- 
chase of which was given by act of Assembly, passed April 14, 
1828. 

The above lots, it appears by reference to acknowledgments of 
purchase moneys, cost the Commonwealth $1100, which, after 
cutting off such parts as were needed for public use, sold for 
$412. 

SALE OF PART OF THE ABOVE LOTS, 

The third section of an act to provide for additional clerk hire, 
&c., passed the 22d day of April, 1829, provides that the com- 
missioners appointed to superintend the improvements of the 
public grounds attached to the State Capitol, or a majority of 
them, are authorized to sell such parts of five lots of ground ad- 
joining each other, lying east of High street, in Harrisburg, 
which was purchased by them in pursuance of the provisions of 
an act passed April 14, 1828, as they may deem necessary for 
the extension and improvement of the said public grounds, and 
to execute a deed or deeds conveying an estate in fee simple 
therefor to the purchaser or purchasers thereof; and the money 
arising from such sale shall be added to the fund already appro- 
priated by law for the improvement of the said public ground, 
under the direction of the said commissioners. 

The record of the sale of the lots is found in the accounting 
department of the State, as follows : 

July 10, 1829, from James Trimble, two lots, . . . $239 00 
July 13, 1829, from Henry Buehler, one lot, . . . 58 00 
July 13, 1829, from Mr. Carson, 115 00 

Total, $412 00 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 149 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, 

Dated Harrisburg, November 27, 1827, and signed by J. D. 
Barnard, Secretary of the Commonwealth; David Mann, Au- 
ditor General ; William Clark, State Treasurer ; united in by 
C. Blythe, Secretary of Commonwealth ; Alex. Mahon, State 
Treasurer : 

January 11, 1828. — (See Journal of the House of Represent- 
atives, 1827-8, page 675.) The report is full and complete, 
evidences the ragged and uneven surface of the grounds, the 
marshy character of State street, the excavations necessary in 
front of the Arsenal, and recommends that the grounds be sur- 
rounded with an iron palisade or railing, on a low stone wall, 
containing the necessary number of entrances or gates, with the 
planting of trees in proper places. 

From the fact that they ask for an appropriation of ^187 25 
to cover deficiencies, the sum of $5,000 specially appropriated 
by act of 16th of April, 1816, appears to have been overrun. 
An accompanying statement of expenditures show work to have 
been done amounting to $5,187 25. 

THE HARRISBURG ACADEMY. 

The Harrisburg Academy, to which the State had become a 
patron as early as the year 1809, the Legislature having passed 
an act on the 4th of April of that year appropriating the sum 
of $1,000 " to enable these trustees to purchase a lot of ground 
whereupon to erect a suitable building," having for a number 
of years owned under title from the State a part of the now 
public grounds, is necessarily connected with their history. 

"An act /or the aid of the Harrisburg Academy. 

"Sect. 1. Be it enacted, &c., That there is hereby granted 
to the Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy, and to their sue- 



150 ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 

cessors, forever, the following described part of the public 
grounds in the borough of Harrisburg, to wit : Beginning at 
the corner of High and Walnut streets, thence up High street 
eighty-five feet six inches ; thence south forty-five degrees west 
one hundred and sixty-three feet four inches; thence by a 
straight line to a point one hundred and fifty-eight feet four 
inches from the place of beginning, and thence in a straight line 
to the place of beginning, containing fifty-six perches and eight- 
tenths, for the purpose of erecting thereon a building for an 
Academy, and for no other purposes whatsoever. 
Approved March 8, 1814." 

The foregoing donation was a clear violation of the purpose 
of John Harris and wife, as expressed in their deed of convey- 
ance to the Commonwealth, although within a liberal construc- 
tion of its language. 

The Legislature, however, finding that they had committed 
an error in this generous donation, and that the intended im- 
provements would be obstructed by it, passed a resolution on 
the 11th of April, 1825, authorizing and requiring the Secre- 
tary of the Commonwealth and the State Treasurer to purchase 
of the Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy, for the use of the 
Commonwealth, the lot of ground adjoining the Arsenal, grant- 
ed to the Trustees of the said Academy by the act of March 
8, 1814, for a price not exceeding 1500. The purpose of this 
resolution was consummated March 28, 1831, when the sum of 
$500 was paid to the Trustees of the Academy. 



PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS TO THE 

RIVER. 

A resolution was passed by the Legislature, April 11, 1825, 
authorizing the Secretary of the Commonwealth and State 
Treasurer to purchase the several lots in front of the State Cap- 
itol, lying between North street and South street, and Third 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 151 

street and the river, being the then village of Maclaj'sburg, 
but the purchase was subsequently abandoned in conBequence 
of the high prices at which the said lots were sold, and the diffi- 
culty of obtaining the will of all the owners required by the 
act to sell. 

The price asked for the lots as reported by viewers, headed 
by Archibald M'Allister, was $24,400. 

FIRST OCCUPANCY OF THE STATE CAPITOL. 

We conclude our sketch of the public buildings and grounds 
by a description of the ceremonies observed at the inaugui'ation 
of the State Capitol. 

The following extract from the House Journal, December 21, 
1821, indicates that the session had been opened at the usual 
place in Harrisburg (Court-House) in that year, for the last 
time : 

^'Resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives, That 
when the Legislature meets at the new State Capitol, on Wed- 
nesday, the 2d of January next, that it is highly proper, before 
either House proceeds to business, they unite in prayer to Al- 
mighty God, imploring His blessing on their future delibera- 
tions, and that the joint committee already appointed be autho- 
rized to make the necessary arrangements for that purpose." 

" Wednesday, January 2, 1822. — On motion of Mr. Lehman 
and Mr, Todd, the House proceeded to the building lately occu- 
pied by the Legislature, and joined the procession to the Capi- 
tol, and attended to the solemnities directed by the resolution 
of the 21st ultimo, relative to the ceremonies to be observed by 
the Legislature upon taking possession of the State Capitol" 

On Thursday, the 3d of January, a motion was made by Mr. 
Cassat and Mr. Wierman, which read as follows : 

'^Resolved, That the committee of arrangements be requested 
to procure a copy of the introductory prayer and address deliv- 



152 ANNALS OF HARRISBUKG. 

ered on the 2d instant in the State Capitol, previous to the com- 
mencement of public business, and that the usual number of 
copies of each be printed." 

The following account of the ceremonies attendant on the 
removal of the Legislature to the new buildings, is taken from 
the " Harrisburg Chronicle" of January 3, 1822 : 

" The members of both branches of the Legislature met in 
the morning at 10 o'clock, at the old State House, (Court 
Hottse,) from whence they moved to the Capitol in the following 

Order of Procession. 

The Architect and his Workmen, two and two. 

Clergy. 

Governor and Heads of Departments. 

Officers of the Senate. 

Speaker of the Senate. 

Members of the Senate, two and two. 

Officers of the House of Representatives. 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Members, two and two. 

Judges. 

Civil authorities of Harrisburg. 

Citizens. 

In front of the Capitol, the architect and his workmen opened 

into two lines, and admitted the procession to pass between them 

and the Capitol. 

The ceremony of " uniting in prayer to Almighty God, im- 
ploring his blessing on their deliberations," required by a con- 
current resolution of the two Houses, took place in the presence 
of a large assemblage of the inhabitants of this borough and 
county, and strangers. 

Conclusion of the Prayer. 
The service was opened by a pertinent and impressive prayer, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 153 

by Rev. Dr. Lochman, of Harrisburg, which concluded as fol- 
lows : 

"And 0, thou great and good and benevolent Father of the 
human family, grant that whenever the members of the Legis- 
lature enter into their respective Chambers to attend to the du- 
ties assigned to them, they may always consider that the welfare 
of thousands may depend upon their deliberations, and that 
they are accountable beings, who will once have to give an ac- 
count of their stewardship to the just and impartial sovereign 
of the universe. These are the petitions which we, on this 
solemn occasion, bring before thee, the Most High, the God of 
Heaven and of earth. Oh ! hear them for our Saviour's sake, 
to whom, with Thee, the Father and the Spirit, we would as- 
cribe glory and honor forever. Amen." 

The Discourse. 

The prayer was followed by an appropriate discourse, by Rev. 
D. Mason, Principal of Dickinson College, which concluded as 
follows : 

" Sixty years have not elapsed since the sound of the first 
axe was heard in the woods of Harrisburg. The wild beasts 
and wilder men occupied the banks of the Susquehanna. Since 
that time, with the mildness which has characterized the de- 
scendants of William Penn, and that industry which has marked 
all the generations of Pennsylvania, the forests have been sub- 
dued, the wild beasts driven away to parts more congenial to 
their nature, and the wilder men have withdrawn to regions 
where they hunt the deer and entrap the fish according to the 
mode practiced by their ancestors In the room of all these 
there has started up, in the course of a few years, a town re- 
spectable for the number of its inhabitants, for its progressive 
industry, for the seat of legislation in this powerful State. What 
remains to be accomplished of all our temporal wishes ? What 
more have we to say ? What more can be said, but go on and 

20 



154 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

prosper, carry the spirit of your improvements through till the 
sound of the hammer, the whip of the wagoner, the busy hum 
of man, the voices of innumerable children issuing from the 
places of instruction, the lofty spires of worship, till richly en- 
dowed colleges of education, till all those arts which embellish 
man shall gladden the banks of the Susquehanna and the Dela- 
ware, and exact from admiring strangers that cheerful and 
grateful tribute, ' this is the work of a Pennsylvania Legisla- 
ture !' " 



ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT FROM 
PHILADELPHIA TO CARLISLE, 

It may be curious to know that in 1795 an attempt was made 
to remove the seat of government of Pennsylvania from Phila- 
delphia to Carlisle. A bill to this effect actually passed the 
House of Representatives, but was defeated in the Senate. We 
append the following extract from the Journal of the House, in 
reference to this matter : 

'^Saturday, March 28. — The bill entitled 'An act to estab- 
lish the permanent seat of government of Pennsylvania,' as 
amended in Committee of the Whole, was read the second 
time. 

And the first section of the said bill being under considera- 
tion, viz : 

Sect. 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the permanent seat of gov- 
ernment of Pennsylvania shall, from and after the 1st day of 
December, 1798, be established in the county of Cumberland, 
and within the borough of Carlisle, at such place therein as shall 
be chosen for that purpose by Samuel Postlewaithe, John Mont- 
gomery, and William Henderson, who are hereby appointed com- 
missioners for the purposes in this act mentioned. 

On the question, ' Will the House agree to the same ?' it was 
agreed to — yeas 64, nays 6. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 155 

The fifth section of the said bill being under consideration, 
viz : 

Sect. 5, And he it further enacted, &c., That prior to the 1st 
day of December, 1798, the whole of the ground and all the 
buildings in the city of Philadelphia, the property of this State, 
shall be sold under the direction of the aforesaid commissioners. 

Passed — ^yeas 36, nays 33. 

And the said bill having been fully considered by sections, on 
the question, '■ Shall the bill pass V it was agreed to — yeas 36, 
nays 34. So the bill passed, and was sent to the Senate, which 
body refused to concur." 

" An act making provision for the removal of the seat of gov- 
ernment of this Commonwealth, and the offices attached to the 
same, from the city of Philadelphia to Wright's Ferry, on the 
Susquehanna," also passed the House of Representatives in 
March, 1798, but was non-concurred in by the Senate. 

HARRISBURG DURING THE SECOND WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. 

The citizens of Harrisburg and its vicinity, in 1812, emulated 
the patriotic spirit of their ancestors in the French, Indian and 
Revolutionary wars, by quickly responding to the call of their 
country, and rallying around the standard of " Free Trade and 
Sailors' Rights," in opposition to British aggression. 

MUSTER ROLLS OP VOLUNTEERS FROM HARRISBURG AND 
VICINITY. 

We give the muster rolls of the several companies of volun- 
teers from Harrisburg and Dauphin county who rendezvoused 
at York on this occasion, and from thence were marched to the 
defence of Baltimore. 



156 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



Capt. Thomas Walker's company, First Eegiment, commanded 
by Col. Kennedy 



Thomas Walker, Capt. 
Charles Still, Lieut. 
C. Gleim, Ensign. 
*Jno. M. Forster, Serg. 
William Allison, " 
George Beatty, " 
John Frazer, " 

John Fisher, Corporal. 
William Bryan, " 
Richard Adams, " 
George Boyer, " 
Jacob Dubbs, drummer. 
Samuel Holman, fifer. 
George Stine, " 

•j-John Eoberts, 
John Young, 
Ludwig Ressing, 
John H. Kroberger, 
Martin Good, 
George J. Heisely, 
M. Rupley, 
Jacob Rahm, 
A. Anderson, 
John Sheffy, 
John Zearing, 
John Deemer, 
Jacob Meek, 
John Stahl, 
Hugh M'llwaine, 
Jacob Slough, 
J. C. Wright, 
M, Wain, 



Daniel Miller, 
Jacob Zollinger, 
Philip Lawyer, 
Michael Fields, 
Robert J. Skinner, 
George F. Koehler, 
John Kunkel, 
Ales. J. H. Jackson, 
A. W. Gleason, 
James Officer, 
Samuel Henry, 
Charles Durang, 
Ferdinand Durang, 
George Cole, 
G. C. Moyer, 
Joseph Stroman, 
John E. Williams, 
Joseph Jackson, 
Jacob Kuhn, 
Austin Ball, 
Henry Wilson, 
Jacob Bauchman, 
Jacob M. Awl, 
Ezekiel Shelcut, 
John Sample, 
William Harper, 
Joshua Elder, 
William M'Bay, 
Fred, Zimmerman, 
John L. Wallis, 
Plunkett Crabb, 



John Jontz, 
Samuel Wunder, 
C, Carson, 
James Jackson, 
Isaac Maguire, 
Samuel Himmelright, 
George Ockerman, 
Robert Stephenson, 
Thomas Minshall, 
Robert B. Wilkins, 
Jacob Steinman, 
C. Heichel, 
P. Martin, 
Frederick Hyneman, 
Jacob Winnagle, 
Samuel Smith, 
Charles Hinckley, 
Henry Antes, 
W. Fulton, 
James Montgomery, 
John Shott, 
James Mitchell, 
A. S. Dearmond, 
Henry M'Kinney, 
Robert Dickey, 
David Harris, 
John A. Stehley, 
Isaac UpdegroYe, 
Ellis Updegrove, 
Abm. Funk, 
William Cowhick. 



* Promoted to Brigade Major. 

f Promoted to 1st Sergeant, in place of John M, Forster, Brigade 
Major. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 



157 



Capt. R. M. Grain's company, First Regiment, commanded 
by Col. Kennedy : 



R. M. Grain, Captain. 
Joel Bailey, 1st Lieut. 
G. Caruthers, 2d " 
Alex. M. Piper, 1 Serg. 
R. T. Jacobs, 2 " 
Jas. R. Boyd, 3 "^ 
Jos. C. Laveille, 4 " 
Jno. Benjamin, 1 Corp. 
George Taylor, 2 " 
Jacob Elder, 3 " 
John Walborn, 4 " 
D. Krause, drummer. 
Jacob Pool, fifer. 
John Mitchell, 
Francis R. Shunk, 
John M. AVillis, 
Elisha Brotherton, 
John Wilson, 
Perry C. Nabb, 
John Beisel, 
Henry C. Sheirman, 
John Keller, 
Richard T. Leech, 
John B. Thompson, 
John Rodney, 
Jacob Gleim, 
Wm. M. Carson, 
George Eicholtz, 



John Shannon, 
Thomas White, 
George Myei*, 
Thomas Barnett, 
Nicholas Hitzelberger, 
Henry Leak, 
Peter Krum, 
Jonathan Heister, 
Joseph Wallace, 
Henry Smith, 
Luther Reily, 
Henry H. Burr, 
William George, 
Michael Daugherty, 
Thomas Kurtz, 
Thomas S. Mitchell, 
William S. Findlay, 
Samuel Shoch, 
Nathaniel Ewing, 
George Gongwher, 
John M. Barnett, 
Andrew Vaubuskirk, 
George Adams, 
Joseph Youse, 
John Shrier, 
Samuel Harris, 
Samuel AVienman, 
James Murphy, 



Robert Graham, 
Michael Lebkicher, 
John Search, 
John Conner, 
Jacob R. Stine, 
Samuel Boyer, 
Alex. Graydon, Jr., 
Marcus Vanderslice, 
Matthew Ferguson, 
John Smith, 
Henry Blake, 
Jacob Kncpley, 
John Swoyer, 
Jacob Kunkel, 
William Robertson, 
Thomas Brown, 
John Lebo, 
Charles Kimmel, 
John Keighler, 
Truman Bostwick, 
Samuel Capp, 
John Fleck, 
Jacob Hoyer, 
William Newel, 
W^illiam Boyer, 
William Reily, 
George Cochran, 
William Barnett. 



Capt. John Carotlier's company. First Regiment, commanded 
by Col. Kennedy : 

John Carothers, Capt. John Cams, 2 " John Wingert, 3 " 

John Horning, 1 Lieut. I. Tomlinson, 3 " Wm. Burton, 4 " 

Hen, Crangle, 2 " J. Emerson, 4 " Michael Capp, 

Thomas Orr, Ensign, Eras. Hooper, 1 Corp. Jacob Miller, 

JohnLyne, 1 Serg. M'NairWilson,2 " Michael Machon, 



158 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



Philip Stimmel, 
Nicholas Stiff, 
Jacob Kentzel, 
Henry Geistweite, 
George Sellers, 
William Harrison, 
Joseph M'Vaunen, 
George Nagle, 
Jacob Kline, 
James Floyd, 
John K. Peacock, 
John Robinson, 
Norman Callender, 
George Shott, 



Jacob Elwell, 
Henry Morningstaff, 
Jacob Philiger, 
John Morningstaff, 
Wm. Brigle, 
John Hasselbaugh, 
James M'Cowen, 
Daniel Housman, 
Caleb Musser, 
John Krebb, 
John Neckle, 
Robert Barr, 
Wm. M'Glaughlin, 
Patrick Kirk, 



Frederick Peek, 
Joseph Keller, 
Arthur Moore, 
Benjamin Bevens, 
Samuel Keller, 
Benedict Singer, 
Joseph Henry, 
John Brown, 
John Martin, 
Rudolph Mulhollan, 
Daniel M'Cristal, 
Jonathan M'Bride, 
Joseph Walhaven. 



Capt. Jeremiah Kees' company, Fifth Battalion militia, com- 
manded by Lieut. Col. Daniel Lefever : 

[This company marched from Berks county to York under the com- 
mand of Capt. Fisher, who from sickness or some other cause resigned. 
Capt. Rees was transferred to the company from the one afterwards 
commanded by Capt. Knight.] 

Jeremiah Rees, Capt. Henry Bardoff, Samuel Matthew, 

Conrad Knepley, Lieut. John Forry, Adam Hayne, 

James Dill, Ensign. John Mell, Jacob Reiggle, Jr. 

P. Etchberger, Serg. Andrew Cernand, John Katerman, 

Daniel Deal, " Adam Briggle, Daniel Reedy, 

Philip German, " John Coleman, Henry Seetz, 

Henry Kendall, " John Strong, Daniel Kliner, 

John Hosier, Michael Fisher, Jacob Shingler, 

Conrad Spats, Henry Miller, Michael Keith, 

Anthony Katerman, George Null, George Laird, 

John Misseman, Henry Foltz, Daniel Deckart, 

Adam Griss, Peter Newman, David Bridegrum, 

Samuel Gable, Joseph Rutter, Peter Krick, 

Peter Shall, Jacob Null, Frederick Fisher, 

George Lutz, John Dam, Jacob Reiggle, Sr. 

Michael Troutman, William Nipple, Henry Fidler, 

John Haun, Jacob Reed, John Foust, 

Lawrence Solliday, Jacob AVolf, John Fryberger, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



159 



Samuel Dirgler, 
John Draffenbach, 
Henry Doughbert, 



Rudolph Stoner, 
Daniel Heipner, 
Henry Metz, 



John Feag, 

Henry Zimmerman. 



Capt. Thomas M'llheDny's company, Second Regiment, com- 
manded by Col. Ritcher : 

Thos. M'llhenny, Cap. John Swier, 
Thos. Finney, Lieut. Patrick M'Kinty, 



John Berry, Ensign. 
Henry Wolver, fifer. 
John Jamison, Serg. 
John Strock, " 
David Fishburn, " 
Jacob Ruff, " 

Wm. Hamilton, Corp. 
Mich. Speck, " 
Jacob Painter, - " 
Jacob Denius, " 
Sam'l Reeser, 
Henry Hetsenhiser, 
John Bassler, 
Michael Moyer, 
Jacob Getz, 
Peter Spangler, 
Christian Sponhoot, 
John Brownewell, 
Philip Katerman, 
John Rowland, 
Adam Basor, 
George Wittemeyer, 
John Switzer, 
John Keyley, 
James M'Laughlin, 



George White, 
Chistopher Leib, 
Frederick Bulman, 
John Tice, 
Peter Staufer, 
John Fortney, 
Benjamin Noaker, 
Jacob Deel, 
Jacob Moyer, 
John Harrison, 
Christian Early, 
John Baseford, 
Henry Basor, 
Henry Smith, 
Daniel Kuntzman, 
Samuel Roody, 
Warner Olewine, 
Enoch Riter, 
George Robison, 
John Bright, 
John Himes, 
Henry Harvy, 
John Yingst, 
Martin Swigert, 
John Baylor, 



Henry Blecker, 
John Wolf, 
Daniel Fegan, 
James Johnston, 
Benjamin Mengle, 
John Miller, 
Henry Moyer, 
John Young, 
Henry Cope, 
Frederick Bush, 
Martin Funk, 
John Luton, 
Jacob Ulrich, 
Philip Netenoun, 
Patrick M'Kinney, 
Jacob Keller, 
George Horner, 
Frederick Nagle, 
Henry Dasher, 
James Beard, 
Frederick Plestley, 
John Lance, 
Frederick Stuky, 
Adam Nigh, 
Henry Frankford, 
George Pallum. 



Capt. Peter Snyder's company, Second Regiment, commanded 
by Col. Ritcher : 

Peter Snyder, Captain. Jos, Hummel, 1 Serg. John Leehigh, 4 Serg. 
Benj, Bonawit, Lieut. Christ. Spayd, 2 " David Manley, 1 Corp. 
Robt. Moody, Ensign. John Snyder, 3 " Geo. Heathorn, 2 " 



160 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



Josh. Heppick, 3 Corp. 
M.Hargleslager, 4 " 
John Waltz, drum maj. 
Sol- Hayes, fife maj. 
Joha Bule, 
ilichael Cassel, 
Jacob Brown, 
Abraham Eversole, 
Michael Waltz, 
Jacob Hostler, 
Robert Conogom, 
John M'Elrath, 
Peter Hedrick, 
John Wolf, 
Jacob Andrew, 
James Wright, 
David Weirich, 
David Mosey, 
James Grundon, 
John Sawyer, 
John Duncan, 
Frederick Hummel, 
Michael Hemperly, 



David Etteler, 
John Conrad, 
Charles Hughes, 
George Jontz, 
Michael Gross, 
Frederick Cassel, 
William Curry, 
Daniel Bollinger, 
George Critzen, 
George Remley, 
William Strouse, 
Laurantz Alberty, 
Jacob Bollinger, 
Plenry Harrow, 
John Albright, 
John Boycr, 
John Smith, 
John Batdorf, 
Jacob Hite, 
John Shaffer, 
David Moyer, 
George Shaffer, 



Peter Burket, 
Godfrey Snyder, 
Peter Seller, 
John Stine, Jr., 
George Stine, 
Michael Fritz, 
Philip Zarver, 
Michael Souser, 
Henry Eckler, 
John Belleman, 
Jonathan Priegle, 
John Deel, 
Henry Ebbert, 
John Luukinbill, 
Martin Felty, 
Jacob Winter, 
John Nigh, 
Michael Kramer, 
Richard Hays, 
Benjamin Zerver, 
Christ. Karp, fifer. 
P. Youngblood, drum. 



Capt. John B. Morehead's company, First Regiment, com- 
manded by Col. Kennedy : 



J. B. Morehead, Capt. 
Jno. Manley, Lieut. 
David Hebel, Ensign. 
Jno. M'Cord, 1 Serg. 
Det. Fishburn, 2 " 
Simon Louer, 3 " 
Wm. Hamill, 4 " 
Wm. M'Cord, 1 Corp. 
F.Drummond, 2 " 
Thos. M'Nair, 3 " 
Thos. Ramsey, 4 " 
Andrew Frazer, 
Robert Moorhead, 



John Cromwell, 
William Twig, 
Thomas H. Moore, 
Joseph Wheeler, 
John Welsh, 
William Wilson, 
Benj. Myer, 
Samxxel Pearson, 
John Wallace, 
John Pollock, 
Jacob Barr, 
Edward Shannon, 
James Cowden, 



John Gilchrist, 
Andrew Stephen, 
Joseph Starrett, 
Andrew Welsh, 
Matthew B. Cowden, 
Allen Sturgeon, 
John Haverstick, 
Joseph Simmons, 
David Espey, 
David Unger, 
John F. Brown, 
George Enghst, 
Thos. M'Kissick, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



161 



John W. Simonton, 
Jacob Zhent, 
Robert Sturgeon, 



Geo. W. Forster. 
Henry Holtman, 
John Cross, 



Archibald E. Burnet, 
Jacob Enk, 
Reuben Collins. 



Capt. James Todd's company, Second Regiment, commanded 
by Col. Ritcher : 



James Todd, Captain. 


Peter Enghst, • 


George Lutz, 


John Ward, Lieut. 


James Martin, 


George Binner, 


Henry Winter, Ensign. 


, James Morton, 


Daniel Loas, 


John M'Quig, 1 Serg 


Piobert Snodgrass, 


Jacob Brown, 


John Fox, 2 " 


Benj. Hoofnagh, 


John Yonker, 


W. M'Creight, 3 " 


John Wolf, 


Benjamin Weiser, 


Simon; Duey, 4 " 


John Hileman, 


John Fauvcr, 


John Martin, 1 Corp. 


John Meese, 


George Knoll, 


George Fisler, 2 " 


Jacob Walburn, 


Andrew Wanner, 


S^amuel Todd, 3 " 


Conrad Kyzer, 


Peter Goodman, 


Sam. .Johnston, 4 " 


George Shark, 


John AValburn, 


W. Burabarger, drum. 


George Fomwold, 


Conrad Mouray, 


Samuel Winter, fifer. 


Dewald Feesick, 


Henry AValburn, 


Henry Spitler, 


George Painter, 


John Secondeorst, 


Samuel 0' Bryan, 


David Welkman, 


Henry Kock, 


Philip Hunsicker, 


John Hedrick, 


Christ. Hasinger, 


Caspar Lumsing, 


John Folmer, 


Conrad Hoover, 


John AVinter, 


Henry Stoner, 


George Pruss, 


John Albert, 


George Wolmer, 


John Pruss, 


John Houser, 


Peter Kremer, 


John Dibbins, 


George Farling, 


Jacob Beck, 


George Failor, 


Peter Beshore, 


Felix Light, 


Adam Shaffer, 


David Tood, 


John Klick, 


George Felty, 


John Hoofnagh, 


Jacob Emerick, 


John Simon. 



Capt. Richard Knight's company, First Regiment, commanded 
by Col. Kennedy : 

[This company maYched from Harrisburg to York under the command 
of Capt. Jeremiah Rees, who at that place was transferred as previously 
stated. Capt. Knight marched the company to Baltimore, when from 
some cause he relinquished the command to his first lieutenant, Philip 
Cline.] 



162 



ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 



Eichard Knight, Capt. 
Philip Cline, Lieut. 
Geo. Roberts, Ensign. 
Josh. M'Connell, Serg. 
John Carson, " 

Jonathan Balsley, " 
Mathias Croll, " 
John JohnstoD, Corp, 
Peter Swartz, " 

H. Rightmyer, " 
R. UpdegroYe, " 
Geo. Hammon, 
Abram Saul, 
Wm. Onks, 
David Weaver, 
Andrew Hamen, 
Michael J. Senheda, 
Wm. Orth, 
Andrew Herrof, 
Ludwick Bretz, 
Jno. Garverich, 
Philip Gaul, 



Jno. Wilson, 
Michael Strain, 
Samuel Henning, 
John Rhoads, 
Henry Miller, 
Wm. Smith, 
George Grey, 
Jno. Zimmerman, 
Jacob Shroy, 
George Wise, 
Samson Hains, 
Peter Mooney, 
Abraham Swartz, 
Jno. B. Lawsen, 
Henry Miller, 
Jacob Cassel, 
Samuel M'Intire, 
Jas. Killhoon, 
Wm. Killhoon, 
Daniel Shell, 
George Urich, 
Daniel Bowman, 



Samuel Saul, 
Jacob Wolf, 
Samuel Wetsell, 
Henry Myers, 
Joseph Lightner, 
Jno. Books, 
Jno. Yenks, 
Geo. Miller, 
V^m, Patrick, 
Jno. Ealey, 
Jacob Fisler, 
Martin Lease, 
Jacob Baker, 
Hugh Wade, 
Wm. Mileisen, 
Peter Real, 
Peter B. Lansen, 
George Myers, 
Wm. Miller, 
Christian Capp, 
James Duncan, 
Wm. Duncan, 



Capt. John Elder's company, First Regiment, commanded by 
Col. Kennedy : 



John Elder, Captain. 
William Reed, Lieut. 
H. W. Conrad, Ensign. 
Jacob Stouch, Serg. 
Daniel Hess, " 
Jacob Walborn, " 
George Shive, " 
John Regel, Corporal. 
George Christ, " 
John Miller, " 

Henry Reinoehl, '♦ 
Conrad Shrefler, 
George Wolheber, 
John Snyder, 



Adam Reed, 
Jacob Stall, 
Jacob Stengle, 
John Brown, 
John Stub, 
Daniel Schoch, 
Christian Neyswinder, 
Henry Gebhard, 
John Aman, 
John West, 
Abraham Shafifer, 
Philip Whitman, 
John Wenrick, 
John Shaffer, 



John Stoler, 
Daniel Umpehouer, 
Abraham Bates, 
Martin Walborn, 
Henry Deater, 
Peter Dinger, 
Benj. Bartow, 
John Snyder, 
John Hide, 
Valentine Banney, 
Peter Weaver, 
Michael Miller, Sr., 
John Dubb, 
John Haag, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



163 



John Lebauch, 
Jacob Rohrer, 
John Hontz, 
Michael Haverling, 
Henry Bare, 
Abraham Keefer, 
John Bonewitz, 



Michael Trane, 
John Bender, 
Michael Miller, 
John AVerts, 
Jacob Liminger, 
Jacob Shade, 
Daniel Aman, 



Philip Wilhelm, 
Andrew Schrick, 
Samuel Shade, Jr., 
Peter Lutz, 
Jon. Zethman, 
Jacob Rouch, 
Philip Schwalm. 



Capt. Isaac Smitli'-s company, Rifle Battalion, commanded by 
Major Hamilton : 

Isaac Smith, Capt. 
Michael Lentz, Lieut. 
N. Buchanan, " 
John Taylor, Ensign, 
Thomas Black, Serg. 
George Taylor, " 
James Freeburn, " 
Henry Sheafer, " 
Wilson Fuller, Corp. 
Abm. Freed, musician. 
Samuel Hummel, " 



Frederick Frank, 
Christian Peters, 
Peter Marsh, 
Michael Bower, 
Daniel Wilson, 
John Black, 
Peter Chub, 
John Miller, 
William Loge, 
Adam Beacht, 
Abraham Jurey, 
Daniel Heckerd, 
Daniel Lewer, 
Casper Heckerd, 



Isaac Rutter, 
Joseph Urich, 
George Lentz, 
Grey Hilliard, 
Peter Biting, 
George Zinn, 
David Swigard, 
Jchn Noblit, 
John Lingafelter, 
Adam Bower, 
Jacob Gray, 
George Jurey, 
Samuel Huston, 
Philip Cline. 



Thomas Freeburn, 
John Clark, 
John Reed, 
Jacob Bower, 

Capt. Philip Fedderlioff's company, Second Regiment, com- 
manded by Col. Ritcher : 



P. Fedderhoff, Capt. 
Thos. Woodside, Lieut. 
John Shife, Ensign. 
J. Baughman, 1 Serg. 
Peter Wenner, 2 " 
John Winn, 3 " 
G. Fedderhoff, 4 " 
Henry Frank, 1 Corp. 
Philip Enders, 2 <' 
Jas Howard, 3 " 
John Hoffman, 4 " 



John Franklin, 
Frederick Foight, 
William Elliott, 
Adam Frantz, 
George Matter, 
Peter Yeats, 
George Cooper, 
Dennis Harding, 
John Werth, 
Joseph Shoop, 
Philip Umberger, 



John Frank, 
George Dunckel, 
Adam Lawdermilk, 
Christian Lower, 
Jacob Werfel, 
Jacob Pouel, 
Jacob Boardner, 
Jacob Harman, 
Stophel Yeager, 
Henry Neece, 
Peter Willier, 



164 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



Jac. Yeager, 
David Feagely, 
Lewis Imshofifstall, 
Peter Ritzman, 
Peter Rumberger, 
Daniel Harman, 
Peter Reist, 
Henry Hiebsher, 
George Weaver, 
Jeremiah Shawbell, 
Jacob Shoop, 
John Ritzman, 
Philip Shut, 
George Lebo, 
Jacob Houge, 



William Miller, 
Daniel Fleisher, 
Peter Minich, 
Lewis Powel, 
John Weise, 
Jonathan Woodside, 
Conrad Cempel, 
Michael Lankart, 
James Gardner, 
Abraham Bicksler, 
Jacob Dunckel, 
Daniel Shupp, 
William Snyder, 
John Dunckel, 
John Novinger, 



Capt. G-awen Henry's company, Eifle 
by Major Hamilton : 



Gawen Henry, Capt. 
Wm. Thomas, Lieut. 
Adam Ross. Ensign, 
Dennis Hawes, 1 Serg. 
Abm. Crosley, 2 " 
Alex. Glasgow, 3 '• 
W. M'Courdy, 4 '* 



Edward Hughes, 
Alexander Lytle, 
"William Gibson, 
Conrad Nichols, 
Thomas Ridge, 
Adam Wilhelm, 
Thomas Best, 



Chr. Swayer, 1 Corp. George Lefever, 



John Newman, 2 " 
Mord. Boone, 3 " 
E. T. James, 4 " 
Henry Isett, drum. 
Thos. Byron, fifer, 
John Midlem, 
Joseph Midlem, 
GrifiFeth Greene, 
Henry Erles, 
Andrew Johnston, 
James Brickley, 
Albert Winegardner, 
John Winegardner, 



James Ramsey, 
John Bryon, 
Samuel Carson, 
John Over, 
David Over, 
William Wade, 
Aaron Lukens, 
Jesse Lukens, 
Joseph Lukens, 
Henry Moyer, 
Philip Kunkle, 
John Crook, 
John Berryman, 



Benj. Keiter, 
John Reickhart, 
Thomas Shartis, 
Henry Metz, 
Henry Umholtz, 
Peter Hoffman, 
Daniel Ossman, 
Heni'y Koch, 
Isaac Novinger, 
Reuben Ossman, 
Henry Shay, 
Jacob Byrod, drum. 
Jacob Anderson, 
Henry Vesley. 



Battalion, commanded 

George Hiney, 
Peter Miller, 
John Porter, 
Wendel Baumgardner, 
Thomas Fulton, 
Samuel Geistweit, 
Joseph Geistweit, 
John Ferguson, 
Daniel Baker, 
William Weaver, 
George Rupley, 
George Flasher, 
Peter Burns, 
James Campbell, 
William Meilim, 
Samuel Reem, 
George Fair, 
William Scott, 
Jacob Shirts, 
William Baxter, 
Benj. Murphy, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 165 

Jacob Heiser, Thomas Blake, James White, 

Daniel Thomas. Thomas Woods, Henry Wanmaher, 

John Price, Joseph Finurty, Isaac Caselott, 

George Wiant, James Peling, George Sheffer, 

John Cohick, John Waggoner, Archibald M'Neal, 

James Murray, John Linton, Lewis Dheble, 

Peter Aubert, James M'Namee, Jonathan Jones, 

King Reed, Henry C. Moyer, Robert Scott. 

The following is a list of the principal field officers of the First 
Brigade, of which the above companies formed a part : 

Brigadier General — John Forster. 

Aid — Amos Ellmaker. 

Brigade Inspector — Christian Spayd. 

Brigade Major — John M. Forster. 

Paymaster, appointed by the State previous to the troops being 
mustered into service — Robert Harris. 

Paymaster under United States Government — Chris. Gleim. 

THE CITIZENS REJOICING. 

On Wednesday evening, October 15th, 1813, the citizens of 
Harrisburg manifested the high sense they entertained of Com- 
modore Perry's gallant achievement on Lake Erie, by the firing 
of cannon, a handsome display of sky-rockets, and a splendid 
illumination of the houses. The windows in front of the State 
House (Court House building) were ornamented with elegant 
transparencies, emblematic of the glorious event, and for a while 
party feeling gave place to the generous glow of patriotic en- 
thusiasm. 

General Harrison's victory at the battle of the Thames river 
was also celebrated by the citizens of the borough with every 
testimony of heartfelt joy. A piece of artillery was put on 
board of a flat-bottomed boat, from which nineteen rounds were 
fired as it floated past the town. A number of sky-rockets were 
likewise fired from the middle pier of the Harrisburg bridge, 
which produced a very handsome eflfect. 



166 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



FIRES IN 1813. 

Two very disastrous fires occurred in the town during the 
months of March and May of 1813. The first broke out about 
1 o'clock in the morning of the 14th of the former month, in a 
stable belonging to William Graydon, Esq , situated on River 
alley, between Chestnut and Market streets. Owing to the 
combustible materials of which the stable was constructed, the 
fire progressed with astonishiag rapidity; and notwithstanding 
the exertions of the citizens and wetness of the morning, its 
course was not arrested until it had destroyed the following 
property : A stable belonging to Joshua Elder ; one belonging 
to John M. Price, of Philadelphia; one belonging to Henry 
Fulton, of Pittsburg; one belonging to ¥7illiam Graydon, in 
which it originated. Several adjacent buildings were in immi- 
nent danger, -but were saved by the exertions of the citizens and 
members of the Legislature. 

The second fire originated about sunrise on the 4th of the 
latter month, in a stable occupied by Mr. Miller, innkeeper, 
situated in River alley, between Chestnut and Market streets, 
and adjoining the spot where the previous fire was arrested. 
This fire consumed the following buildings : 

A new brick building belonging to John Eager, hatter; a 
stable belonging to Henry Isett, of Greensbur>, where it origi- 
nated ; three stables belonging to George Hoyer, merchant, in 
the occupancy of himself, Adam Coover, innkeeper, and Mr, 
Miller, innkeeper; a stable of William Murray, merchant; a 
a stable of Dr. Martin Luther; a stable of Moses Musgrave; 
all of which had more or less of flour and provender therein, 
which was entirely consumed. The Bank and many other val- 
uable houses were at one time in imminent danger. It was the 
work of an incendiary. The fire department at this period con- 
sisted of the "■ Union" and " Friendship" engines. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 167 



FIRE IN 1819. 



" Fire. — Oa Wednesday morning last, about the dawn of 
day, a fire broke out in this borough, at the corner of Front and 
Mulberry streets, and the adjacent buildings being in a very 
combustible state, it was not got under until six dwelling houses 
and several stables were reduced to ashes. Providentially the 
morning was uncommonly calm, and what little wind there was 
stirring, was chiefly in a direction towards the river, otherwise, 
in all probability, the destruction would have been immense. 
The principal sufferers by the fire were : Valentine Egle, the 
corner (tavern) house; Joseph J. Marshall, mercer and tailor, 
whose loss is severe; the next was the house occupied by David 
Wilmot, as a grocery store, which, with a considerable share of 
its contents, was destroyed; and, melancholy to relate, 3Ir. Wil- 
mot himself, in the act of shoving some bulky article of furni- 
ture out of the second story window, became entangled with it, 
or lost his balance, and was precipitated on the pavement. His 
skull was fractured, and he survived but about two hours. Mr. 
W.was a man of excellent moral character, and all who knew 
him were his friends. He has left a disconsolate widow, in a 
precarious state of health, to deplore the loss of an excellent 
husband, whose departure is rendered doubly afflicting by its 
suddenness and the circumstances attending it. jNIr. W. was 
interred in the Presbyterian, burial ground yesterday morning, 
with Masonic honors, in the presence of a large assemblage of 
the citizens of Harrisburg. 

Mrs. Hess (widow) and Mr. Samuel Sees, tailor, were the last 
in the order of sufferers, but we have not learned the extent of 
their loss. Mr. Sees, we understand, saved the most of his 
property. Mrs. Hess, it is said, beside the loss of her house, 
was a loser in personal property to a considerable amount. 

Whether the fire originated from design or accident remains 
unknown/'' — Harrisburg Repuhlican, July 16, 1819. 



168 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



HARRISBURG CANAL. 



In the vFinter of 1822-3, an act of Assembly was passed, 
entitled "An act to enable the Governor to incorporate a com- 
pany for making a canal and lock navigation on the waters of 
the Susquehanna, near the borough of Harrisburg, with power 
to the said company to supply the said borough with water and 
to insure against fire." 

The law contemplated that the water for the canal should be 
taken from the Susquehanna, near Stoney creek, about eight 
miles north-west of the borough, and was to be discharged at 
the mouth of Paxton creek. The objects to be attained were, 
"water power for manufactories, and the construction of reser- 
voirs for supplying the town with wholesome water for domestic 
use and extinguishing fires." 

The gentlemen named in the act met at the house of Mr. 
Gleim, in Harrisburg, on the 3d of December, 1825, and organ- 
ized by appointing the following officers : 

President — John Forster; Managers — John Zinn, John S. 
Weistling, C. Gleim, Samuel Pool, John Ritchey, Benj. Kug- 
ler, A. Bombaugh, and Valentine Hummel ; Treasurer — Thos. 
Whiteside; Secretary — John Roberts. 

L. Baldwin, Esq., of Boston, was engaged as Engineer, who 
made a survey of the route, and located the canal. A large por- 
tion of the subscription to the stock of the company had been 
taken, but not all paid in, when the Legislature authorized the 
construction of the State canal, which was located over the route 
of that occupied by the Harrisburg canal, and which conse- 
quently extinguished the rights of the company owning the 
latter. 

THE SHAKSPEARE HOUSE. 

This building, situated at the corner of Locust street and 
Raspberry alley, now occupied by the Harrisburg Female Semi- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 169 

nary, was erected in the year 1822, by the late John Wyeth, father 
of John and Francis Wyeth, still residing here. The architect 
was John Hills, a son of Stephen Hills, who constructed the 
public buildings. He threw up the contract, however, before 
the building was completed, and it was finished by another ar- 
chitect. 

The building is about one hundred feet long by fifty feet 
wide, and originally contained in the basement story, beside a 
capacious cellar, six large and commodious rooms, for kitchens 
and private apartments, suitable for a restaurant. The second 
story had thirteen rooms, including a large dining room, with 
an entry through the house. The story above had a large ball 
room, thirty by twenty -seven feet, and a number of smaller 
rooms, with a theatre and stage, capable of holding six hundred 
persons. 

The first person who opened the building for hotel purposes 
was Thomas AVallace, who had been an officer of the Legisla- 
ture. The first theatrical performances in the building were 
under the direction of Mr. H. A. Williams, of Philadelphia. 
His lease of the theatre continued for two jears, and among his 
performers were his wife, Miss Carter, Messrs. Morrison, Ma- 
thews, Blissit, Hughes, Simonds, and Anderson. 

We are indebted to a friend for the following extract of a let- 
ter from an aged and now prominent citizen of New York city, 
who in 1827 performed in this theatre, under the name of 
"Tancred." It relates an incident with which our old citizens 
may be familiar : 

" Chagrined and disappointed in not ' dying on a field of bat- 
tle,' I left the editorial chair and betook myself to the stage, by 
invitation of the manager at Harrisburg, in the month of Jan- 
uary, 1827. Here I appeared under favorable auspices, and in 
a couple of months took a benefit, producing a piece of my own 
getting up — an old story I had read being dramatized for the 
occasion. The older stagers had taken their benefits, and had 

22 



170 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

but slim houses. The novelty of * the first time on any stage 
of Tancred,' and to be represented before the assembled wisdom 
of the State — the Legislature being in session at the time — oc- 
casioned a crowded house of the beauty, fashion and elite of the 
capital. The curtain rose upon a piece entitled ' Family Jars;' 
my maiden effort was to crown the evening's entertainment. 
The jealousy of the older stagers was at the highest pitch at 
the good appearance of the ' front.' Never before was the Har- 
risburg Theatre so crowded. A conspiracy was set on foot by 
four of the actors, and they at once determined to blast, or in 
theatrical parlance, ' d — n the piece and its author.' Fortu- 
nately, however, I had provided a large portion of the audience 
with printed copies of my play, in three acts, and the conspiracy 
was discovered by them as well as by myself. These four actors 
spoke anything but the author's words, and by every effort en- 
deavored to ridicule the affair. 

At the end of the second act I, who was performing the prin- 
cipal character of the play, stepped before the drop curtain, 
and, in an appropriate manner, begged the indulgence of the 
house, and spoke of the wrongs under which I was suffering ; 
and added, that all who chose should receive their tickets from 
the door-keeper, and present them at the box office, where they 
would receive their money back. A universal shout of * no ! no !' 
'go on ! go on !' was the only response; and, bowing in humble 
acknowledgment of their kindness, I retired through the stage 
door, and was immediately attacked by the four ruffianly con- 
spirators — one with a drawn sword, who gave a well-nigh fatal 
cut on my head. In the excitement, the ladies on the stage 
screamed with terror — the curtain was run up instanter, and I 
crossed the stage, a bleeding, ghastly figure, and fell from loss 
of blood at the opposite wing. The terror spread throughout 
the house, and a grasping of shawls and bonnets, of hats and 
a rush for the doors, was the result. With commendable praise, 
two gallant surgeons who were in the house, and who were my 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 171 

friends, rushed upon the stage to my rescue. I was removed 
to one of the dressing rooms, where my wounds were cared for, 
and by four o'clock the next morning I was restored to con- 
sciousness. One of the assailants fled across the Susquehanna 
bridge in his stage dress, and the remaining three were seized 
by the police and placed in durance. Three days after, I left 
them off on leg bail. 

The manager pocketed the funds of the night, and waited a 
week — then put up bills for a benefit of the favorite lady of the 
corps; _but it was 'no go.' Not a single ticket could be sold; 
and this was the last attempt at a theatrical performance in 
that theatre. It was afterwards converted into a large hotel, 
called the Shakspeare." 

GEN. LA FAYETTE IN HARRISBURG. 

On Sunday, the 30th of January, 1825, notice was received 
that Gen. La Fayette and suite were on their way to Harrisburg; 
whereupon Messrs. Hawkins and Baker, of the joint committee 
of the Legislature, and M. C. Kogers, Esq., Secretary of the 
Commonwealth, proceeded from town in carriages towards York, 
by the way of Middletown, for the purpose of meeting the Gen- 
erates party. Dinner was prepared for them at Middletown, and 
an outrider sent forward to ascertain if the General was upon 
that road. At about half-past ten, the General, accompanied 
by his son, George Washington La Fayette, and secretary, 
Gen. Spangler, Col. Spangler, and Dr. King, a committee de- 
puted to escort him from York, were received at Middletown, 
and took dinner. At about five o'clock they arrived in Harris- 
burg, and were hailed by the expecting crowd with great enthu- 
siasm. The General and suite were then escorted to the Gov- 
ernor's residence, in consequence of an invitation which had 
been forwarded to him for that purpose. 

A committee from the Dauphin cavalry waited on the Gen- 



172 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

eral at the Governor's, and tendered a renewal of their respects 
paid to him in Philadelphia, as the Governor's late escort to that 
city. He recognized them, and informed them it would give 
him great pleasure to see them all at his lodgings that evening. 
After which the members of the troop, who resided in town gen- 
erally, with many other citizens, paid their respects to him, and 
were highly delighted. 

He remained at the Governor's that night, and on the next 
morning he was waited upon by the legislative committee of 
arrangements, on behalf of whom Mr. Hawkins welcomed the 
General to the seat of government in a neat and feeling address, 
to which the General made a happy response. 

About eleven o'clock he was conducted to the Executive Cham- 
ber in the Capitol, where the greater part of the members of 
the Legislature and many others were introduced to him. A 
little after ten o'clock the members of the Harrisburg bar waited 
upon him in a body, when George Fisher, Esq , on their behalf, 
made an appropriate address, to which the General replied. At 
two o'clock he returned to the Governor's residence; and at 
eight o'clock in the evening he visited Perseverance Lodge of 
Masons, and remained there about a quarter of an hour. 

On Tuesday, at twelve o'clock, he was conducted again to the 
Capitol, escorted by a corps of dragoons, under the command of 
Major Forster, and companies of volunteers from the counties 
of Cumberland, Lebanon and Dauphin, and the firemen of the 
borough. His arrival at the Capitol was announced by a salute 
of thirteen guns, under the direction of Lieut. Weise, of Car- 
lisle. 

He was introduced to the Senate by Mr, Hawkins, and the 
Speaker welcomed him by a beautiful address, to which the Gen- 
eral made an appropriate reply. He was then invited to a seat 
at the Speaker's right hand, and presently afterwards the Senate 
adjourned. A number of gentlemen and ladies were then intro- 
duced to him. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 173 

At one o'clock lie was introduced to the House of Represent- 
atives by Mr. Baker, wliea the Speaker, Gen. Sutherland, ■wel- 
comed him by an eloquent address, commencing as follows : 

"Dear General — About half a century ago, one of the purest 
of the patriots of the Revolution, the venerable John Hancock, 
occupied the chair from which you have just risen.'' 

To which the General returned an appropriate reply, com- 
mencing as follows : 

"il/r. Speaker and gentlemen of the House of Representa- 
tives — Amidst the patriotic recollections which the sight of the 
presidential chair of my venerable friend John Hancock could 
not fail to excite, and which have been described by you, Mr. 
Speaker, in a manner adequate to the sublime theme, it is hardly 
permitted to indulge private remembrances; yet, encouraged as 
I am by the kindness of this House in my behalf, I beg leave 
to acknowledge before you the emotions connected with the 
thought that from this chair also he signed my early admission 
as a soldier in the American army." 

He was then invited to a seat at the Speaker's right hand, 
and presently afterwards the House adjourned. At two o'clock 
he was waited upon by the students of Dickinson College with 
an address, to which he replied. About three o'clock he re- 
turned, escorted as before, to the Governor's. 

At four o'clock a subscription dinner was given to the Gen- 
eral at Matthew Wilson's Hotel, by a nu^mber of the members 
of the Legislature, at which his Excellency the Governor, the 
Heads of Department, Judge Gibson, George W. La Fayette, 
the committee from York, a few veterans of the Revolution, and 
a number of the residents of the borough were present. Mr. 
Speaker .Marks presided. The most cordial hilarity prevailed 
on the occasion. At the particular request of the General, 
" Hail Columbia" was sung by himself and the whole company 



174 ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 

standing. After the cloth was removed, a number of patriotic 
toasts were given, among which was the following : 

^'Gen. La Fayette. — Our fathers hailed him as a defender; 
we rejoice to welcome him as a guest." 

The General rose, and after having expressed to the members 
of the Legislature the grateful sense he had of their kind wel- 
come, gave the following toast : 

" The State of Pennsylvania. — First founded upon the basis 
of justice and philanthropy, now governed by universal suffrage 
on the unalloyed principle of equal rights ; may it long preserve 
these dignified and fruitful blessings." 

The Governor and Gen. La Fayette retired about eight o'clock, 
and the company presently afterwards broke up. 

The students of Shoop's school, situated about three miles 
from the borough, sent a written patriotic address to the Gen- 
eral, which was handed to him at his lodgings ; to which the 
General replied a few days after by letter from Washington. 

On Wednesday morning the volunteers were paraded in Mar- 
ket Square, and reviewed by the General, supported by the Gov- 
ernor, after which they saluted him at his quarters. At eleven 
o'clock he took his departure for York, accompanied by his suite, 
two of the committee of arrangements of the Legislature, and 
the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

JMPROVING THE NAVIGATION OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

As previously shown, public attention was first directed to the 
importance of removing the obstructions and improving the 
navigation of the Susquehanna river as early as the year 1795. 
The Legislature, however, appears to have taken no definite 
action in relation to the matter until March, 1823, at which 
time an act was passed for the improvement of the river from 
Northumberland to tide-water, and appointing Jabez Hyde, Jr.j 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 175 

John M' Means, and Samuel L. Wilson, commissioners to super- 
intend the work. 

These commissioners, in a report made to the Legislature, 
January 14, 1828, state : 

" That the contracts entered into for the improvement of the 
navigation of the Susquehanna river, between the town of Co- 
lumbia and tide, is nearly completed, and when the residue is 
finished, they believe all will be done that is necessary to per- 
fect the descending navigation between said points. Crafts will 
then be able to descend from Columbia to the head of the Mary- 
land canal carrying from fifty to sixty tons, at a stage of water 
at which, previous to the improvements, they could not arrive 
at the latter place with more than one-half that quantity." 

"The commissioners further report, on the improvement of 
the river between the towns of Columbia and Northumberland, 
that the unfinished contracts of the years 1825 and 1826 are 
completed, but will not be of that infinite advantage until fur- 
ther improvements are made to correspond with those already 
finished, the Legislature having suspended the appropriation for 
the past year." 

The total amount of expenditures made by the commissioners 
for the improvement of the river from the town of Columbia 
to the town of Northumberland, up to January 14, 1828, as 
stated in the report, was $1,201 50, and that for improving the 
river between the town of Columbia and tide-water, to the same 
period, $14,323 37, making the sum total of $15,524 87. 

STEAMBOATS ON THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

This action of the Legislature, together with the favorable 
report of the commissioners, induced a number of enterprising 
citizens of Baltimore to form a company for the purpose of test- 
ing the practicability of running steamboats on the Susque- 
hanna, between the towns of York Haven and Northumberland. 
The project was favorably received, and the stock of the com- 



176 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

pany immediately subscribed. Three light-draught steamboats, 
named, respectively, the " Codorus," " Susquehanna," and " Pi- 
oneer," were constructed, all of which arrived for the first time 
at Harrisburg in the fall of 1825. 

The following extracts have reference to these boats : 

" The sheet-iron steamboat ' Codorus' paid another visit to 
Harrisburg on Sunday last, with the members from York county 
as passengers. The members of the Legislature in general are 
much pleased with the performance of this boat, and express 
great satisfaction with the success of the experiment. From 
what we have heard, we infer that there will be a legislative 
enactment in favor of the enterprising proprietors." — Chronicle, 
December 5, 1825. 

"Steamboats. — The steamboat 'Susquehanna' left this 
place on Monday last, for York Haven. 

The 'Pioneer' returned to Harrisburg on "Wednesday last. 
The machinery of the vessel is not of sufficient power to stem 
the current of Hunter's Falls. 

The ' Codorus' is lying at Montgomery's Ferry, about twenty 
miles above Harrisburg." — Ibid, April o, 1826. 

In a letter dated July 14, 1834, addressed to the Secretary 
of War, Hon. Lewis Cass, by Henry K. Strong, Esq , on behalf 
of the citizens of Harrisburg, relative to opening a steamboat 
communication between the Chesapeake Bay, by way of the 
Susquehanna and the lakes, allusion is made to one of the above 
named steamboats, perhaps the " Codorus," as follows : 

" Eight years ago, a sheet-iron steamboat, built at York, in 
this State, was put upon the river, about twelve miles below 
Harrisburg, and forty from tide-water, and was propelled by 
steam to the line separating the States of Pennsylvania and 
New York, nearly two-thirds of the whole distance from the 
Chesapeake bay to the lakes If this was not the first steam- 
boat ever constructed, it was the first that ever sailed upon 
American ivaters." 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 177 

The editor of the " Harrisburg Chronicle," Hugh Hamilton, 
Esq., appears to have been somewhat skeptical as to the practi- 
cal use of these boats, as will be seen by the following extract 
from that paper : 

" The people of Baltimore are in high spirits in consequence 
of the successful trip of the * Susquehanna' up the North and 
West branches, to Danville and Milton. While we think great 
credit is due to the enterprise of the Baltimore Steamboat Com- 
pany, and congratulate them upon the result of the experiment, 
which has demonstrated that a steamboat can move against the 
rapids of the river Susquehanna, we remain skeptical as to the 
practical use of the boats that have visited us. The weight of 
an engine of sufficient power to propel the boats up the rapids 
produces such a draught as must prevent their running, unless 
the water should be at a high stage, and such a stage we have 
not more than three months of the year, March, April, and 
May." 

The steamboats continued to visit the borough at short inter- 
vals during the continuance of a medium stage of water in the 
river until after April, 1826, when one of them — the " Susque- 
hanna" — exploded its boiler while making its way through a 
narrow passage of shoal water in the river, at or near Berwick, 
Columbia county, which almost totally destroyed it, beside kill- 
ing two, and severely injuring several of its passengers, among 
whom was Christian Brobst, Esq., member of the Legislature 
from Columbia county. This accident appears to have damped 
the ardor of the proprietors, and shortly afterwards the boats 
were removed from the river to a more favorable latitude. 

The steamboat enterprise was not again renewed on the Sus- 
quehanna, in this vicinity, until the spring of 1857, when a 
company of citizens purchased and broiight here a small side- 
wheel steamboat, that had formerly been used as a pleasure boat 
on the river Delaware, at Philadelphia. The boat made fre- 

23 



178^ ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

quent excursions on the river during the summer following, but 
the speculation proving a failure, the stockholders resold it to 
its original owners, and in the fall of the year it was returned 
to Philadelphia. 

Correspondence hetioeen the citizens of Harrishurg and the 

War Department, on the subject of Sloop and Steamboat 

Navigation. 

On the 20th of September, 1833, a large and respectable 
meeting of the citizens of Harrisburg was held at the Court 
House, in Harrisburg, to take into consideration the propriety 
of opening a steamboat and sloop communication between the 
Chesapeake bay and the lakes, by way of the Susquehanna river. 

The following were the officers of the meeting : Valentine 
Hummel, Sr., President; Joel Bailey and Henry Buehler, Vice 
Presidents ; Charles C. Rawn and Mordecai M'Kinney, Secre- 
taries. 

At this meeting resolutions were passed declaring the project 
national in its character and advantages, and necessary for na- 
tional defence. 

A general committee was appointed, from which select com- 
mittees were chosen to draft an address to the people of the 
United States; to draft a memorial to Congress, and to address 
the Secretary of War. 

On the 17th of October following, Henry Buehler, Esquire, 
from the select committee, published an address to the people 
of the United States. 

At the same time, Gr. W. Harris, Esq., from the select com- 
mittee, reported a memorial to Congress, which was published, 
circulated, and signed by a large number of citizens in various 
parts of the country, and sent to that body at its next session. 
A bill favorable to the project, and making a specific appropria- 
tion for a survey, was reported by the Internal Improvement 
Committee in the House of Representatives, but at so late a 
period in the session that it was not acted upon. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 179 

On the 25tli of July, 1834, Henry K. Strong, Esq., from the 
select committee, transmitted an able and convincing address to 
Hon. Lewis Cass, then Secretary of War, in which, after show- 
ing the advantages of a sloop and steamboat communication be- 
tween the Chesapeake bay and the lakes, by way of the Susque- 
hanna, he inquired " whether a survey of the route could not 
be made by an engineer in the service of the government during 
the present summer V 

In reply, John J. Abert, Lieutenant Colonel Topographical 
Engineers, stated that "the Department was fully impressed 
with the importance of the route described, but the conditions 
and engagements of the office were such that it was not in its 
power to attend to the project during the present season." 

A few days after the receipt of this intelligence, Mr. Strong 
again addressed the Secretary of War, repeating a request for 
the services of an engineer to survey the river ; to which Col. 
Abert, on behalf of the Secretary of War, again replied, stating 
that " Dr. William Howard, with two assistants, are the engi- 
neers whose services would be placed at the disposal of the par- 
ties interested in the matter." 

At a meeting of the general committee of the citizens of Har- 
risburg, held August 16, 1834, the following officers were chosen : 
Valentine Hummel, President; Mordecai M'Kinney, Secretary: 
Henry Walters, Treasurer. 

A communication was received from Dr. William Howard, 
United States engineer, estimating the expense, and making 
several suggestions relative to the proposed improvement; and 
stating that, " by his orders, he was entirely under the direction 
of the committee, and ready to execute any plan of operations 
which they might determine." 

The following gentlemen were then chosen an executive com- 
mittee : Henry K. Strong, George Mish, Yalentine Hummel, 
Sr., Jacob M. Haldeman, John C. Bucher. 

The report of Dr. Howard was referred to the executive com- 



180 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

mittee, with instructions to devise a plan of operation for the 
survey. 

The project was ultimately abandoned, in consequence, we 
believe, of the death of Dr. Howard, and the refusal of Con- 
gress to extend pecuniary co-operation. 

RIOT IN 1825. 

On Thursday, April 21, 1825, the borough was disturbed by 
a serious riot. A man from Maryland had followed a runaway 
slave of whom he had obtained information, after an absence of 
more than a year, found him in Harrisburg, and lodged him in 
jail. He was brought up on a writ of habeas corpus, and after 
a hearing surrendered to his master. A great number of colored 
people attended the investigation, armed with clubs and cudgels, 
and exhibited a menacing appearance. As a matter of precau- 
tion, the master tied the slave's hands behind his back ; but as 
he left the Court House steps, the colored men rushed furiously 
upon him and attempted a rescue. A serious combat ensued, 
in which a number of the citizens were involved and received 
injury. In the melee one of the Marylanders fired a pistol, after 
having received several blows from the colored men, one of 
whom he wounded in the arm. 

Resistance then subsided, and the slave was taken to a public 
house and secured. The colored people gathered about the door, 
and after some time another fracas took place. The consequence 
was, that the civil authorities interfered, and about nineteen of 
the colored men were committed to prison. The Court com- 
menced its sessions on the following Monday, and the grand 
jury found a true bill against sixteen of them. The trial lasted 
until Wednesday evening, and on Thursday morning the jury 
rendered a verdict of guilty against twelve of them, and acquit- 
ted four. One of the twelve convicted subsequently escaped, 
but the remaining eleven were sentenced to the tread-mill'—t'he 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 181 

grand jury having appropriated $300 for the construction of the 
same. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The borough was divided into the South and North ward elec- 
tion districts by an act of Assembly passed in 1822. 

In digging a cellar, about thirty-five years ago, on Forster's 
Island, opposite Ilarrisburg, at the depth of five feet several 
Indian darts were found. Trees of enormous growth stood a 
few years before on the spot where they were exhumed. 

A strenuous efi'ort was made in the Legislature, in 1827, to 
remove the seat of government from Ilarrisburg. 

In 1825-6-7 there were five military companies in the bor- 
ough, as follows : 

Dauphia Cavalry — R. T. Jacobs, 0. S. 

Harrisburg Guards— P. Frazer, 0. S. 

Pennsylvania Guards — H. Chritzman, Adjutant. 

Harrisburg Junior Guards — S. Pool, 0. S. 

Harrisburg Union Infantry — J. Black, 0. S. 

THE PENN LOCK OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL. 

Oa Tuesday, March 14, 1827, the first corner-stone that was 
laid in the locks of the Pennsylvania canal, was laid in lock 
No. 6, at the foot of Walnut street, Harrisburg. There was a 
Masonic procession, followed by the Governor and Heads of De- 
partment, the members of the Legislature, the Burgesses and 
members of the Town Council, and a great concourse of citizens. 
In the stone were deposited the names of the members of the 
Legislature at the time of the passage of the act for commencing 
the Pennsylvania canal, (1825,) and the Governor who approved 
it, with the following scroll : 



182 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

" This corner-stone 
Of lock No. 6, from the Swatara river, was laid in Masonic 
form, on the 13th day of March, Anno 
Domini 1827, Anno Lucius 5827, 
By the Worshipful Master and brethren of Perseverance 
Lodge, No. 21, 
In presence of the Governor, Heads of Departments of State, 
members of the Legislature, and the citizens 
of the borough of Harrisburg ; 
When it was unanimously styled by the Engineer 
and Acting Commissioner, 
The Penn Lock, 
In commemoration of the great founder of the State, and of 
the enterprise of the citizens of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania in the promotion of 
internal improvements. 
William and Michael Byrne, and Alexander and 
Paul Provost, builders. 
Charles Mowry, Acting Commissioner. 
Dr. Wm. Darlington, President. 
John Sergeant, David Scott, Abner Lacock, Daniel Mont- 
gomery, John Philips, Thos. Enochs, Geo. M. 
Dallas, Esqrs., Commissioners. 
Joseph M'llvaine, Esq , Secretary of the Board. 
William Strickland, Engineer. 
Francis W. Rawle, Assistant Engineer. 
Samuel H. Kneass, Geo. Merrick, Wm. B. Norris, Emerson 
M'llvaine, Robert Paries, William Rodrigue, 
Chas. L. Schlatter, Assistants. 
William G-rove, Superintendent of Masons. 
Frederick William Leopold, Clerk of the Works." 

After the Masonic ceremonies, Mr. Ritner, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, delivered an address suitable to the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 183 

occasion. The procession returned to town ; and the Masonic 
fraternity, who had for their guest Gov. Carrol, of Tennessee, 
and a number of citizens, partook of an excellent dinner at Mr. 
Henzy's Jackson Hotel. 

In altering the course of the canal, last summer, a short dis- 
tance to the east of the original line, this lock was torn down, 
but we could not learn what disposition was made of the corner- 
stone. It should have occupied a conspicuous place in the new 
lock ; and if this was not the case, its contents ought to have, 
been preserved in the museum of the State Department. 

THE HARRISBURG LANCASTERIAN SCHOOL. 

From the adoption of the Constitution of 1790 until 1809, 
no legislative provision of a general nature was made in refer- 
ence to public schools. An act was then passed " for the gratu- 
itous education of the poor." It required a report to be made 
by the assessors of the townships, wards and boroughs, to the 
commissioners of the respective counties, of all children between 
the ages of five and twelve years whose parents were unable to 
provide for their education; and that when the lists had been 
approved by the commissioners, that such parents should be no- 
tified thereof, and be permitted to send their children to the 
most convenient schools, at the expense of the county. Not- 
withstanding the many defects of this law, it continued in force 
until it was repealed by that of 29th March, 1824, which pro- 
vided that every township should elect three "schoolmen," who 
should superintend the education of poor children within their 
respective townships, and " cause them to be instructed as other 
children are treated, the expense of tuition to be paid by the 
county." But each county might authorize the " schoolmen" 
to divide the township into school districts, and to establish 
schools at the expense of the townships, to which all children 
belonging to the districts might be sent for three years at any 



184 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

time between the ages of six and fourteen years. This law was 
applicable to the whole State, with the exception of certain 
school districts in the city and county of Philadelphia and city 
and county of Lancaster. It was repealed in 1826, and the act 
of 1809 revived. 

By the act of 2d April, 1831, however, the basis of a more 
efficient school system was laid. The Secretary of the Com- 
monwealth, the Auditor General, and the Secretary of the Land 
Office, were appointed commissioners to receive and manage the 
school fund, with power to receive and hold for the use thereof, 
all gifts, grants and donations that might be made thereto, and 
all the monies due the Commonwealth by the holders of unpat- 
ented lands ; also, all monies secured to the Commonwealth by 
mortgages or liens for the purchase money of the same, (this 
land debt was estimated at two millions of dollars,) as also all 
fees received in the Land Office, with the addition of the sum 
of one mill on the dollar added to the county rates by the act of 
the 25th March, 1831, were assigned to the common school 
fund, and held by the Commonwealth for the use thereof, at the 
interest of five per cent, per annum. The interest was directed 
to be added to the principal as it became due, and the whole 
amount to be holden by the Commonwealth, subject to the pay- 
ment of interest on loans made to the State for internal improve- 
ments, until the interest should amount to one hundred thou- 
sand dollars annually, after which the interest was to be dis- 
tributed annually to the support of common schools throughout 
the Commonwealth, in such manner as would thereafter be pro- 
vided by law. 

Besides the general provisions for education above noticed, 
special ones were enacted for certain portions of the State. Thus 
in 1818 the city and county of Philadelphia were erected into 
a district, called the "first school district" of Pennsylvania. 
By the act of April 1, 1822, the city and county of Lancaster 
were erected into the "second school district,'' with privileges 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 185 

and duties similar to the first. By tte act of llth April, 1827, 
the same system was established at Harrisburg, and by act of 
19th February, 1828, at Pittsburg. 

The following is a copy of the act of 11th of April, 1827, 
establishing the Lancasterian school system at Harrisburg : 

An Act to autJiorize the Commissioners of Dauphin county to 
establish a public school in the borough of Harrisburg. 

Sect. 1. l?e it enacted, &c., That the commissioners of Dau- 
phin county be authorized to make use of any part of the court- 
house of the said county which may be unoccupied, build, or 
procure a suitable building for the purpose of educating the 
children directed to be taught at the public expense, and also to 
furnish the same for the accommodation of children. 

Sect. 2. That said commissioners be authorized and required 
to engage a suitable teacher or teachers, at a fixed salary or oth- 
erwise, as they may deem proper : Provided, such teacher be 
approved of by the school committee to be hereafter appointed. 

Sect. 3. That the commissioners shall be required to direct 
all the children educated at the public expense, who shall reside 
in the borough of Harrisburg and within one mile thereof, to 
attend a school established by their direction, which shall be 
taught and conducted on the principles of Lancaster's system 
of education, in its most approved state. 

Sect. 4. That the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin coun- 
ty, at their regular spring term, and during the spring term of 
each and every subsequent year, shall appoint nine respectable 
citizens residing within the borough of Harrisburg, to be de- 
nominated a school committee, whose business it shall be, at the 
request of the county commissioners, to examine the qualifica- 
tions and ability of said teacher, and if found worthy, shall give 
him a certificate of approval, which shall be a sufficient voucher 
to said commissioners ; and it shall he further the duty of said 
committee to visit and examine said school twice in every quar- 

24 



186 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

ter, or oftener if necessary, and recommend such rules and regu- 
lations as will best contribute to the advancement of the youth 
of said school. 

Sect. 5 — [Provides for the supplying of vacancies in the 
school committee.] 

Sect. 6. That said commissioners may admit children whose 
parents or guardians are in circumstances to pay for their tuition, 
and shall be at liberty to charge in each individual case any sum 
which may be agreed on between the parties, which shall be ap- 
plied in all cases to the support of said school. 

Sect. 7. That the said commissioners shall have power to 
draw orders on the county treasurer for any sum or sums of 
money to pay the expense of erecting or procuring a suitable 
building for the purpose aforesaid, and also for such sums of 
money necessary in furnishing books, stationery, and all things 
necessary in establishing, maintaining and conducting said school; 
and all such orders drawn upon the county treasurer shall be 
paid by him, and the orders thus paid shall be his authority 
for paying such sums, and to the persons mentioned in said 
orders. 

Sect. 8. That it shall be the duty of said commissioners to 
keep an accurate account of the proceedings of said school, which 
account shall be examined and settled annually by the auditors 
of the county, and shall publish a statement of the same in the 
month of January in each and every year, the number of chil- 
dren educated in said school, as well as the amount of expend- 
iture, and of the sums received for the tuition of children whose 
parents, guardians or friends have defrayed any part or the whole 
of the expenses of their education. 

Sect. 9. That as soon as the said school shall be established 
and fit for the reception of scholars, the said commissioners shall 
give public notice thereof in at least three public newspapers 
printed in said borough of Harrisburg ; and that no tuition for 
children taught at the expense of the county, who shall reside 



ANNALS OP HARRISBUKG. 187 

within the bounds aforesaid, will be paid by the county, con- 
tracted after thirty days' notice given as aforesaid. 

Sect. 10. That so much of every act of Assembly relating to 
the education of the poor, as far as the same may affect the bor- 
ough of Harrisburg, and within one mile thereof, as is altered 
or supplied by this act, shall be repealed, and cease to operate 
from and after the time mentioned in the ninth section of this 
act.'' 

The " Lancasterian system" provided for in the third section 
of the above act, was so called in honor of its founder, Mr. Lan- 
caster, a native of England. It was based upon monitorial or 
mutual instruction. Thus, a school would be divided into sev- 
eral sections, according to the acquirements of the scholars, over 
each one of which was appointed by the master a '' monitor" — 
generally the most intelligent and advanced scholar — whose duty 
it was to superintend the instruction of his companions in the 
section to which he belonged. Of course, all the sections were 
under the general superintendence of the master. 

We give several extracts from the minutes of the proceedings 
of the commissioners of Dauphin county in relation to the above 
quoted act of Assembly, which illustrates the rise, progress and 
final abolition of the Lancasterian school in Harrisburg : 

" July 4, 1827. 

Commissioners met. Present — Messrs. Brua, Kathfon, and 
Moody. The following preamble and resolution were read and 
adopted : 

Whereas, The commissioners of Dauphin county have caused 
a room in the Court House to be prepared for a school on the 
Lancasterian plan, and have engaged a teacher to conduct such 
a school agreeably to the act of Assembly of April 11, 1827; 
therefore. 

Resolved, That the teacher employed by the commissioners 
of the county be directed to receive into the said school, to be 



188 ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 

instructed according to the aforesaid plan, all the children whose 
tuition is required by law to be paid by the county, and whose 
names are or shall hereafter be entered on the list of poor chil- 
dren in the commissioners' office, residing in the borough of 
Harrisburg, or within one mile thereof. Other children to be 
admitted into the school at the rate of one dollar per quarter of 
a year, to be paid for the use of the county. A reduction from 
this rate to be allowed according to the circumstances of the pa- 
rents of the children, at the discretion of the commissioners." 

By another resolution adopted at this meeting of the board, 
the school was directed to be opened on the 9th of July, 1827 ; 
but at a meeting held on the 11th of May previous, the board 
elected William C. Jenks teacher, at a salary of $550 per annum, 
and directed the school to commence on the 7th of May. It is 
probable, however, that one of these dates is a clerical error; 
or perhaps it was the original design of the board to open the 
school on the 7th of May, but not having concluded the arrange- 
ments in time, deferred it until the 9th of July. 

At a meeting of the commissioners held in the month of April, 
1828, William C. Jenks was reappointed teacher of the school 
at a salary of $800 per annum. 

At this period the whole number of children taught in the 
school was three hundred and fifty. 

The number of children taught in the school whose parents, 
guardians or friends defrayed or agreed to defray any part of the 
whole of the expense of their tuition, was one hundred and fifty- 
four. 

The amount received for the tuition of children whose parents, 
guardians or friends defrayed the whole or any part of their edu- 
cation, was fifty-five dollars and eight cents. 

The amount due for the tuition of children whose parents, 
guardians or friends agreed to pay the whole or any part of their 
education, was two hundred and fifty-one dollars and twenty 
oe&ts. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 189 

The limited accommodations ■which the room in the Court 
House aiforded for such a large and increasing school, induced 
the county commissioners to avail themselves of the privileges 
extended in the first section of the act authorizing the establish- 
ment of the school ; and accordingly they purchased of the late 
Thomas Elder, Esq., the two lots of ground situated in "Walnut 
street, numbered in the general plan of the borough 262 and 
263, for the purpose of erecting thereon a suitable building for 
the accommodation of the school. The deed conveying these 
lots is recorded in book B, vol. 2, page 427, in the Recorder's 
office. 

We continue our extracts from the commissioners' minutes : 

"June 20, 1828. 
Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Moody, Brua, and 
Cochran. Proposals were received for building a school house 
for the ' Lancasterian School.' " 

"July 4, 1828. 

Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Moody and Peter 

Brua. The commissioners entered into a contract with Samuel 

Bryan for building a house for the Lancasterian school, in Har- 

fisburg, at a cost of $4,250, according to article of agreement." 

It is probable that Mr. Bryan completed his contract in the 
fall of 1829, for we find in the " Order Book" that he was paid 
by Order No. 25, dated January 9, 1830, the sum of $585 54, 
*' being the balance due him on settlement of his account for 
building Lancasterian school house." 

" November 7, 1832. 
Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Archibald Orme, John 

Imshofistall, and Abraham Bombaugh. 

The following resolution was read and adopted : 

Resolved, That the clerk inform Jacob Richardson, teacher 

of oolored children ia Harrisburg, that in future the colored 



190 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

children under his tuition shall be taught in the Lancasterian 
school, as the law directs ; and that the commissioners will 
hereafter allow him no compensation for teaching said chil- 
dren." 

"December 3, 1833. 

Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Imshoffstall, Bom- 
baugh, and Kendig. 

Mr. Bombaugh offered the following resolutions, which were 
adopted : 

Resolved, That in consequence of an act of the General As- 
sembly, approved the 9tli of April, 1833, the public school in 
the borough of Harrisburg on the Lancasterian system, and the 
services of J. A. Prest as teacher thereof, be discontinued from 
and after the 20th day of March, 1834. 

Resolved, That J. A. Prest, teacher of the public school in 
the borough of Harrisburg on the Lancasterian system, be and 
he is hereby notified and requested to deliver up to the commis- 
sioners of the county of Dauphin, on Friday, the 21st day of 
March, 1834, all the accounts, vouchers, books, papers, furni- 
ture, &c., belonging to said public school house, and vacate the 
premises himself on the first day of April following." 

By a resolution of the Board, passed January 20, 1834, the 
time for discontinuing the school and the delivery of the ac- 
counts, vouchers, books, &c., was extended to Tuesday, the 20th 
of May, 1834, at which time it appears to have been finally 
abolished. 

In 1849 the school building, with the adjoining premises, 
were sold by the county commissioners to the school directors 
of the North Ward of the borough of Harrisburg, who made 
considerable alterations in its interior, better adapted to the use 
of schools under the present beneficial common school system. 
When occupied by the Lancasterian school, the teacher, with 
his family, resided in the building. It is occupied now, we be- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 191 

lieve, by four of the North Ward public male sohools, all in 
separate apartments. 

The building is constructed of brick, two stories high, sur- 
mounted with a neat wooden steeple. It fronts on Walnut street, 
nearly the breadth of the two lots upon which it is built, and 
has a depth of about fifty feet That portion of the lots not 
occupied by the building is enclosed with a substantial board 
fence, afibrding an excellent play-ground for the scholars during 
recess. 

FIRE IN 1828. 

" Fire. — At daybreak on Wednesday last an alarm of fire 
was given in this borough. A small frame building, occupied 
by Mr. Geety as a tailor shop, situated on the east side of Mar- 
ket square, about midway between Buehler's Hotel and Wyeth's 
book store, was discovered to be on fire, and before relief could 
be procured, though the utmost diligence was exerted, the con- 
tiguous houses on both sides (being also frame buildings) had 
caught fire. All those towards Market street, including Wy- 
eth's corner, (and down Market street to the building adjoining 
Wyeth's Hall) were burned to the ground ; but those towards 
Buehler's Hotel were saved by extraordinary efforts, aided by 
the circumstance of a narrow vacancy between the building 
where the fire originated and the one occupied by Mr. Slaugh. 
Most of the furniture, it is believed, of the sufferers, Messrs. 
Geety, Wormley, Wolf, and Wyeth, was saved. A small loss, 
however, is a serious deprivation as it regards most of them, and 
gives them a strong claim to the sympathy of the public." — In- 
telligencer, July 1, 1828. 

FIRST WATER IN THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL AT HARRIS- 
BURG. 

"Pennsylvania Canal. — The water was on Tuesday last 
let into this canal, at M'AUister's mill, and a gentleman has 



192 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

just stepped into our office with tlie information that it has 
reached and is filling the basin near this place. — Harrhhurg 
paper, March 20^ 1828. 

GREAT SNOW STORM. 

The year 1831 was distinguished for a great snow storm, 
which occurred in January. 

" We do not recollect ever having witnessed so great a fall of 
snow as that which took place during the late storm. It com- 
menced on Friday evening last, with an easterly wind, and con- 
tinued without intermission until Sunday morning. If the snow 
had fallen without being disturbed by the wind, we presume it 
would have been at least two feet deep. But, as it was light 
and the wind fresh, it was blown and drifted in many places so 
as to be completely impassable. Many of our roads are filled 
up to the fence tops on each side, and are altogether impassable. 
Those compelled to travel have, in many places, to pass through 
fields and woods entirely off the track to find a passage. Our 
court commenced on Monday, and owing to the impossibility of 
getting to town through the snow, but four grand jurors out of 
twenty-four answered to their names, and it was not until Tues- 
day that a sufficient number appeared to do business, and then 
the whole number was but thirteen. We were for several days 
cut off from all communication eastward by mail. The Phila- 
delphia stage, which should have arrived on Saturday night, did 
not reach us until Tuesday; and several of the stages that left 
here on Saturday morning were obliged to return. We have 
this consolation, however, if there is any consolation to be de- 
rived from company in difficulty, that there is not a paper re- 
ceived that has been published since the storm, particularly 
from towards the south, north, and east, that does not detail 
similar consequences from the same cause." — Harrisburg Re- 
porter, January 21, 1831. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 193 



WATER POWER. 



" A few days since, Jolin Davies, Esq., at the instance of a 
number of gentlemen of JHarrisburg, leveled the route of a canal 
or race for supplying the borough of Ilarrisburg with water, 
and creating a water power. The route pursued commenced at 
Brushy Rock, immediately below M' Allister's ; thence along the 
shore to the lock above Updegraff 's ; thence along the low ground 
near the State canal, as far as the farm of John Fox ; thence 
towards the river to the low ground on the south side of the 
ridge, extending through the lands of Messrs. Cox, Elder, M'Kee 
and Hummel, to the farm of Messrs. Orth and Reily ; thence 
either crossing the turnpike and continuing along the bank to 
the upper end of Pottstown, and there again crossing the turn- 
pike till after passing the works of the Messrs. Wiestling, there 
recrossing the road and continuing along the river to Maclays- 
burg or Maclay's rock, or else proceeding through the land of 
Messrs. Orth and Reily direct to North or State street, Maclays- 
burg, and thence to the river. 

The estimate of the cost of the race was ^22,450 29, exclu- 
sive of sixteen hundred perches of post and rail fence. It was 
to be 17 feet wide at bottom, and the fall from M' Allister's to 
Harrisburg was 16 feet. 

Judge Geddes, the distinguished engineer, formerly of this 
neighborhood, now residing in the State of New York, has 
kindly examined the principal points of the projected canal, and 
has expressed a very favorable opinion of it. He recommends 
a race of larger dimensions than the one above stated, viz: one 
of 25 feet wide at bottom, 40 at the surface, and 5 feet in depth, 
on account of its liability to freeze, and a fall of 4 inches in the 
mile. A race of these dimensions, Mr. Geddes calculates, would 
furnish 14,004 cubic feet of water per minute, or 234 cubic feet 
per second ; also, that agreeably to the table stated in Evans' 
Mill-wright Guide, 8 cubic feet and six-tenths per second, acting 

25 



194 ANNALS OE HAERISBURG. 

upon a pair of stones of 5 feet in diameter, making 97 revolu- 
tions per minute, with a fall of 14 feet and two-tenths, will grind 
five bushels of wheat per hour. 234,406 divided by 8.6, gives 
27.48. Thus a race of the latter capacity, with a head of 14 
feet and two-tenths, will produce a power sufficient to turn about 
twenty-seven pair of stones, capable of grinding five bushels of 
wheat per hour. But if, with the aid of a low dam on the falls 
at McAllister's, the head be increased to 15.47 feet, it will re- 
quire scarce 8 cubic feet of water per second to turn the same 
stones, and 284 cubic feet of water per second will then turn 
more than thirty pair of stones. 

As the channel outside of Brushy Kock is used only when the 
water is too low to suffer craft to pass the channel next the shore, 
it is evident that a dam of two, three or four feet high will im- 
prove the inner channel, and thus benefit rather than injure the 
descending navigation. For the ascending navigation the canal 
has almost wholly superseded the river, but a windlass placed at 
the head of the channel would enable boats to pass it. If our 
citizens should be generally favorable to this project, (and there 
should be but one opinion on the subject,) the passage of the 
necessary law can in all probability be procured ; and if so, the 
rapid advancement of our borough in wealth and population can 
be confidently anticipated."- — Harrishurg Chronicle, August, 
1831. 

THE "FALLING STARS." 

The 18th of November, 1833, is signalized as the period of 
the great meteoric shower — an exhibition of natural " fire-works" 
that will long be remembered by those who witnessed it. In 
Harrisburg, the scene is described as being " grand, awful and 
sublime." It occurred on a market morning, and to the igno- 
rant and superstitious citizens and countrymen the phenomena 
was overwhelming and terrific. In the language of an observer, 
it " rained stars." Never before or since did such a countless 



ANNALS OF HARMSBURG. • 195, 

number of meteors fall from the empyrean in so short a space of 
time. Most of tliem were globular in shape, but many in their 
rapid motion left behind a luminous tail, and these the imagi- 
nation of the credulous very readily transformed into so many 
" fiery serpents." It is almost impossible to conceive the horror 
of mind which seized upon some people, even when the phe- 
nomena was explained by the better informed. Many of the 
bold as well as timid citizens, yielding alike to apprehension, 
gave over all as lost, and passed the exciting period in lamenta- 
tions and prayer. It was astonishing to behold how many be- 
came suddenly devout who were never devout before, yet, gen- 
erally speaking, the fit of devotion was of no longer duration 
than the phenomena. 

"When the devil was sick, the devil a monk would be ; 
When the devil was well, the devil a monk was he" — 

might apply very well to the history of these conversions. 

The following descriptions by eye-witnesses of this phenom- 
ena, were published in the Harrisburg Chronicle, printed at the 
time by Hugh Hamilton & Son : 

" This morning ("Wednesday, November 13, 1833) at a quar- 
ter past five, I was told that a very unusual number of shooting 
stars were to be seen ; and going out, I saw them radiating from 
a point overhead in every direction. It was not possible to 
count them, but I thought as many as from five to twenty in a 
second were darted ofi". 

The radiating space was not exactly in the zenith, but a little 
S. S. E. of it. Some of the meteors were so bright as to throw 
a strong light on the whole sky, and attract my attention even 
when they were behind me. Sometimes a long track of light 
was left in the sky, and remained for more than a minute. 

The very great number and rapidity of motion of these me- 
teors could be compared to a large shower of hail. One of them 
appeared to be as large as a man's fist, and was of great bril- 



196 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

liancy. The stream of light that remained in some cases ceased 
to be a straight line, and assumed first a snake-like form, and 
then doubled together. 

The east was ruddy, and the morning star very bright when 
I first saw the meteors. They were not always regular in their 
emission, but there was not, I think, an instant of time in which 
several were not visible. It seemed as if there were several 
great discharges every minute. 

I watched them till a quarter past six, when the sun was 
nearly up, at which time their light was very faint ; but it seemed 
to me the number was only apparently diminished by being lost 
in the light of the morning. A very bright one was seen just 
at that time. E. L." 

"About eleven o'clock on Tuesday night, an immense num- 
ber of shooting stars, as they are erroneously termed, were ob- 
served in the atmosphere. They continued to increase until five 
o'clock in the morning, (Weduesday,) when the view which the 
heavens presented was grand beyond deseiption. Ten thousand 
little meteors might be observed at a time, igniting, falling per- 
pendicularly for a short distance, and then disappearing to be 
supplied by others. Not a cloud was visible, not a breath of air 
was perceptible. The luminous trail which each meteor left be- 
hind it as it moved, gave the heavens almost the appearance of 
a solid mass of flame. The scene continued until their light 
was eclipsed by the morning dawn." 

FIRST ARRIVAL OF RAILROAD CARS AT HARRISBURG. 

The first locomotive, drawing a train of cars, that arrived at 
Harrisburg, came from Portsmouth, (now included in Middle- 
town,) over the Harrisburg and Lancaster Railroad, in the month 
of September, 1836. It was called the "John Bull," and was 
an object of great curiosity to the citizens of the borough and 
vicinity, who congregated by hundreds on the railroad below 



ANNALS OP HABEISBTJRG. 197 

Paxton street, to witness its approach. The railroad, at this 
time, was only completed between Portsmouth and Harrisburg, 
and the locomotive used on the occasion had been brought to the 
former place on a canal boat, from the State road at Columbia. 

In the month of December following, fifteen miles of the 
road, extending westward from Lancaster, were completed and 
opened. Passengers were then taken twice a day in each direc- 
tion over the finished portion of the road, and over the inter- 
vening distance by stages. In the month of October, 1837, 
the whole line of the road was completed, with the exception of 
a track through the tunnel at Elizabethtown, which was crossed 
over by a good board-walk. 

The Cumberland Valley railroad was first opened for public 
travel from a terminus in Cumberland county, opposite Harris- 
burg, to Carlisle, in July or August, 1837. 

THE "BUCKSHOT WAR." 

The first proceedings of the Legislature which convened at 
Harrisburg on the 4th of December, 1838, were marked with 
extraordinary scenes of disorder and confusion, and originated 
what is commonly called the '■'■ Buckshot War.'' 

The Senate met at three o'clock on that day, and organized 
by electing Hon. C. B. Penrose, Speaker. The Democratic 
members from the county of Philadelphia were refused their 
seats, and the opposition members admitted. 

Mr. Brown, one of the ejected members, was permitted to 
address the Senate, after which a motion was made to have the 
election returns brought forward ; pending which the Speaker 
called Gen. Piogers to the chair which he had vacated, and the 
session shortly afterwards broke up in confusion. 

The House met at nine o'clock on the same day, when the 
Secretary of the Commonwealth was introduced, who presented 
the official returns of the members elected to the House of Re- 
presentatives, 



198 ANNALS OF HARRISBTJRG. 

The clerk then read the returns from the city of Philadelphia, 
and was about proceeding to read the returns from the county 
of Philadelphia, when Mv. Charles Pray stated, in his place, 
that this was not the legal return, and presented to the clerk a 
certified copy of what he alleged to be the correct returns from 
the Prothonotary's Office of Philadelphia county, and requested 
it to be read. 

The clerk then put the question, " Shall both of the returns 
be read ?" and numerous shouts of " aye," " aye," were echoed 
throughout the House. 

Several members protested against the reading of the latter 
returns ; but the clerk put the question, which was carried, and 
both of the returns were read. 

Mr, Stevens suggested that the House proceed to its organi- 
zation by electing a Speaker; and when tellers were appointed 
for that purpose, he expected they would read but the names of 
those members who had been returned from the office of the 
Secretary of the Commonwealth. When this was done, those 
gentlemen who did not think these returns proper might decline 
voting. If this course was pursued, and it should so happen 
that two Speakers were elected, he trusted there would be that 
courtesy exhibited which would find room for both gentlemen 
upon the platform. He therefore moved that the House pro- 
ceed to the election of a Speaker, and that Messrs. Watts and 
Ziegler be appointed tellers ; which motion was declared to be 
agreed to, and those two gentlemen immediately took a stand at 
the Speaker's table. 

Mr, Hopkins moved that the clerk be instructed to put down 
the names of the members from the county of Philadelphia who 
had a majority of votes, and were certified as members of the 
House by a majority of the return judges, 

Mr. T. L. Smith hoped that those who agreed with him in 
relation to the matter would vote "no'' on this question. 

The motion of Mr. Hopkins was then agreed to, and the 
names of the Democratic members were inserted on the roll. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 199 

Mr. Hill moved tliat the clerk of the House call over the roll 
according to the custom heretofore observed ; which motion was 
agreed to, and the clerk proceeded to call the roll — the tellers 
at the same time commencing to call over the names of the 
members, for the purpose of electing a Speaker. 

Before the clerk had concluded the roll, the tellers announced 
that Thomas S. Cunningham had received 52 votes, and was 
therefore duly elected. 

Mr. Cunningham then took the chair, and called upon Mr. 
T. L. Smith to administer the oath of office, after which he 
proceeded to administer the oath to the fifty-two uiembers who 
had elected him, the remainder of the House keeping their 
seats, and the clerk still calling the roll, at the conclusion of 
which he announced that fifty-six members had answered to 
their names. 

Mr. M'Elwee then moved that the House proceed to the elec- 
tion of a Speaker, and that the clerks act as tellers ; which was 
agreed to. And the clerk having called over the names, an- 
nounced that William Hopkins, having received 56 votes, was 
duly elected Speaker. 

Mr. 51'Elwee conducted Mr. Hopkins to the Speaker's plat- 
form, where he obtained a seat beside Mr. Cunningham. 

Mr. Hopkins then called upon Mr. Smith, of Franklin, to 
administer to him the oath of office, and took and subscribed 
the usual oath. 

In the meantime that portion of the House over which Mr. 
Cunningham presided, adopted the rules of the last House for 
their government, and appointed committees to wait upon the 
Governor and the Senate, to inform them that the House was 
organized and ready to proceed to business, after which it ad- 
journed. 

The body over which Mr. Hopkins presided appointed similar 
committees, and after nominating officers, also adjourned. 

Immediately after the occurrence of these extraordinary pro- 



200 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

ceedings, Gov. Ritner issued tlie following proclamation. [See 
Executive Minutes, 1838, page 64, Secretary of the Common- 
wealth's office.] 

'^Pennsylvania, ss. 

In the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania, by Joseph llitner, Governor of the said Com- 
monwealth : 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas, A lawless, infuriated, armed mob from the coun- 
ties of Philadelphia, Lancaster, Adams, and other places, have 
assembled at the seat of government, with the avowed object of 
disturbing, interrupting, and overawing the Legislature of this 
Commonwealth, and of preventing its proper organization, and 
the peaceable and free discharge of its duties ; 

And ivhereas, The said mob have already, on this day, en- 
tered the Senate Chamber, and in an outrageous and violent 
manner, by clamoring, shouting, and threatening violence and 
death to some of the members of that body, and other officers 
of the government; and finally by rushing within the bar of 
the Senate Chamber, in defiance of every effort to restrain them, 
compelled the Senate to suspend business; 

And lohereas, They still remain here in force, encouraged by 
a person who is an officer of the General Government, from 
Philadelphia, and are setting the law at open defiance, and ren- 
dering it unsafe for the Legislative bodies to assemble in the 
Capitol ; 

Therefore, This is to call upon the civil authority to exert 
themselves to restore order to the utmost of their power, and 
upon the militia force of the Commonwealth to hold themselves 
in instant readiness to repair to the seat of government; and 
upon all good citizens to aid in curbing this lawless mob, and 
in reinstating the supremacy of the law. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 201 

Griven under my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at 
Harrisburg, this fourth day of December, in the year 
[l. s.] of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
eight, and of the Commonwealth the sixty-third. 

By the Governor : 

THOMAS H. BURROWES, 

Secretary of the Commonwealth." 

The publication of this document, as may readily be con- 
ceived, created the most intense excitement throughout the State; 
and large numbers of people flocked into the borough daily, 
attracted by curiosity, or to participate in what many conscien- 
ciously believed would terminate in a sanguinary struggle. 

A mass meeting of citizens from all sections of the State was 
held at the Court House on the evening of the 4th December, 
and a committee of safety, consisting of nineteen prominent 
men, was appointed. 

This committee met on the same evening, when it was in- 
formed that there was a body of men stationed in the State Ar- 
senal, and that large quantities of powder, cartridges, and other 
ammunition, had been taken there since the last evening. 

At this moment, Major George Ford, of Lancaster, and Mr. 
Joseph Henderson entered the room where the committee was 
assembled, professing to be a committee from the State author- 
ities, and wished to confer with this committee in reference to 
the protection of the Arsenal, and the public property of the 
Commonwealth, such as arms, ammunition, &c. They went on 
to state that the Arsenal had been assailed by a large force of 
the people, and that great danger was to be apprehended. 

The committee informed them that, under existing circum- 
stances, they had no power to allay the excitement ; that certain 
intelligence had been received that Gov. Kitner had issued his 
orders for the assembling of the militia, which orders were sent 
last evening by express to Carlisle and other places; and that 
the people expected Harrisburg would be filled with persons 

26 



202 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

wlio would supply themselves ■with arms and ammunition from 
the Arsenal; that the people were acting only on the defensive, 
but that they would not permit the public stores to be employed 
against themselves in the lawful pursuit of their rights. 

Messrs. Ford and Henderson, on the part of themselves and 
those who sent them, made the following pledge : 

" That as men of honor, no ordnance, arms, muskets or am- 
munition should, by any order of the Governor, or any other 
authority whatever, be taken from the Arsenal for the purpose 
of arming any forces that might collect in obedience to the pro- 
clamation of the Governor; and that if any use of them should 
so be made, they would hold themselves personally responsible 
for the consequences," 

This pledge was satisfactory to the committee, who believed 
that the only object of the people in making a demonstration 
upon the Arsenal was, not to employ the public arms themselves, 
but, if possible, to prevent their adversaries from making use of 
them. 

At this time a large multitude had collected around the Ar- 
senal, having been attracted thither by the intelligence that a 
quantity of ammunition had been taken there, and that their 
adversaries had stationed in the building a body of armed men 
as a rendezvous to subdue the people. The excitement had be- 
came tremendous, and for the purpose of acting in good faith on 
the part of the committee, on motion of L Kidder, it was 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to go and 
address the people, make known the pledge of Messrs. Ford and 
Henderson, and urge them quietly to disperse. 

Whereupon, L. Kidder, Gen. Adam Diller and Lewis S. Co- 
ryell were appointed the said committee, who immediately re- 
tired to discharge their duties. 

Afterward, the above mentioned committee, by L. Kidder, re- 
ported that they had successfully discharged the duties assigned 
to them, and that they had severally addressed the people, who 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 203 

manifested every disposition to preserve the peace and to act on 
the defensive, and that the multitude had already quietly dis- 
persed. 

On motion, the report was adopted as entirely satisfactory. 

On the 5tli of December, the Governor made a special requi- 
sition on Major General Robert Patterson, commanding the first 
division Pennsylvania militia, for a force of troops sufficient to 
quell the " insurrection/' and march them immediately to the 
seat of govermaient. 

About one hundred of the troops arrived on Saturday night 
following, and obtained quarters in the Court House ; and at 
four o'clock, p m., the next day, the main body, numbering 
about eight hundred, uoder the command of Major General Pat- 
terson and staif, arrived below town, and halted until communi- 
cation could be had with the State authorities, which was effected 
in about an hour, when the troops entered the town, and after 
marching through several of the streets, proceeded to the public 
ground iu front of the State Arsenal, where they were divided 
off into detachments, who severally obtained quarters in the Ar- 
senal, the Exchange, the Court House, the Lancasterian school 
house, and the Presbyterian Church. 

Several other companies from Cumberland county, called out 
by requisition from the Governor, were quartered on the oppo- 
site side of the river, not being able to obtain lodgings in the 
town. 

The Governor also made a requisition on the United States 
authorities for the troops stationed at the Carlisle barracks and 
other neighboring military posts, but this was not complied with. 

It is estimated that betv/een thirty and fifty thousand stran- 
gers were in the borough at this period. 

In the meantime, each division of the House of Representa- 
tives continued to hold sessions separately; that over which Mr. 
Hopkins presided in the Representatives Chamber of the Cap- 
itol, and the one presided over by Mr. Cunningham in the Su- 



204 ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 

preme Court room j but as neither branch had a constitutional 
quorum of undisputed members, they were both refused recog- 
nition by the Senate. 

Affairs stood in this position until December 17, when Messrs. 
Butler, Sturdevant and Montellius left the Cunningham branch, 
and were sworn in as members of the Democratic House, under 
Mr. Speaker Hopkins. This gave to the latter body a quorum 
of fifty-one members whose seats were undisputed, so that no 
legal obstacle could longer prevent the Senate from recognizing 
it as the legitimate House. 

Accordingly, on the 27th of December, in the Senate, Mr. 
Michler submitted the following preamble and resolution, which, 
after various fruitless attempts to amend, were adopted by a vote 
of 17 yeas and 16 nays : 

Whereas, Difficulties have arisen in the organization of the 
House of Representatives, and two bodies have for some time 
been in existence, each claiming to be the regularly constituted 
House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, but neither having 
had a constitutional quorum of members whose seats were regu- 
larly returned, and neither has yet been fully recognized by the 
Senate j 

And whereas, The House organized by the election of Mr. 
Hopkins as Speaker, is now composed of a constitutional quo- 
rum of regularly returned members ; and being thus brought 
within the pale of the constitution, the Senate ought no longer 
to refuse to recognize the said House as the proper constituted 
House of Representatives of Pennsylvania; therefore. 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inform said 
House that the Senate is now organized and ready to proceed 
to business. 

The committee so appointed immediately waited upon the 
House, and a joint committee was appointed by both branches 
to inform the Governor that the Legislature was organized. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 205 

At the meeting of the House on the morning of the 27th, 
Mr. Cunningham, with some twenty of the members of his di- 
vision, were present and duly qualified. 

Mr. Hopkins, the Speaker, then resigned, but was immedi- 
ately re-elected. 

The troops from Philadelphia evacuated the borough on Sun- 
day, the 16th of December, and the battalion from Cumberland 
county on the 23d following. 

The following is " a list of the ordnance stores issued to the 
Philadelphia troops from the Frankford Arsenal, on requisition 
of the Governor : 

"12,480 musket-ball and buck-shot cartridges; 600 pistol 
catridges; 400 priming tubes; 68 6-pounder strapped shot, 
fixed; 132 6-pounder cannon balls; 200 musket flints; 100 
pistol flints ; 20 pounds slow match. 

GEO. D. RAMSEY, Capt. of Ord. 

Frankford Arsenal, Dec. 7, 1838." 

GREAT FIRES IN 1838. 

Two destructive fires occurred in the borough in the summer 
and fall of 1838. The first was on Friday, the 20th of July, 
which broke out in a stable belonging to Mr. Osier, very near 
to, and on the line of the wind from the iron foundry of Mr. 
Graydon, on Fourth street, between "Walnut and Market. It 
was generally believed that a spark from the foundry originated 
the fire. The weather at the time was hot, and everything being 
dry, the Sames spread rapidly to several adjoining stables, and 
from thence to an extensive lumber yard on Fourth street, be- 
tween Market street and Strawberry alley, and several houses 
on Market street and Huckleberry alley, nearly all of which 
were entirely consumed. The wind was brisk, and but little 
water could be obtained from the pumps, so that fears were en- 
tertained that the entire blocks of buildings from Fourth street 
to the canal, between Market street and Strawberry alley, would 



206 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

be destroyed by tbe devouring element. The flames, however, 
were checked at Huckleberry alley by the fire companies, aided 
by the citizens, male and female, many of which latter stood in 
the ranks passing water with buckets for four hours, exposed to 
the heat of the flames and a fervid sun. The estimated loss of 
the property destroyed on this occasion was about $15,000, di- 
vided among twenty-five individuals. The entire insurance 
amounted to only 82,000. 

A meeting of the citizens was held after the fire, and com- 
mittees appointed to solicit subscriptions for the sufferers. This 
meeting also petitioned the Town Council to provide the Citizen 
Fire Company with suitable hose, as there seemed to be a great 
want of this material at the fire. 

The second fire broke out about five o'clock in the afternoon 
of Sunday, the 20th of October, in the carpenter shop of Messrs. 
Holman & Simon, in Market street, near Fourth, and directly 
opposite to where their extensive lumber yard was consumed at 
the previous fire. The flames communicated to the dwelling 
house of Mr. Simon, another (only partially burned,) owned by 
Mrs. Shannon, a grocery store of Mr. Button, (pulled down,) 
the Lutheran Church, and a school house and lecture room 
standing near it. The cost of the property destroyed was about 
$22,000, most of which was insured. 

GREAT FLOOD IN THE SUSQUEHANNA. 

In the spring of 1846 the water in the Susquehanna rose to 
an extent scarcely excelled by the disastrous freshets of 1784 
and 1786. The water upon this occasion carried away the east- 
ern end of the old Harrisburg bridge, and four spans of the 
eastern end of the Cumberland Valley Railroad bridge, then in 
progress of construction, in place of the one previously destroyed 
by fire. All of the piers of this latter bridge, and those of the 
eastern end of the former bridge, were more or less swept away 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 207 

by the violence of the water. Paxton street, and the low ground 
lying on the east side of the town between the canal and the 
ridge, were completely overflowed, and several inhabitants of 
houses located in that section were rescued from di'owning with 
great difl&culty. The engine and boiler rooms of the Water- 
house were completely submerged, and the machinery therein 
^1 considerably damaged. The cellars of houses situated in the 
town below Washington avenue, were in a like condition. 
Houses, bridges, fences, hay, hogs, cattle, sheep, &c., were car- 
ried down the river, all combiniug to present a scene of destruc- 
tion never previously witnessed by the then " oldest inhabi- 
tant.'' 

THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The requisition of the President of the United States on the 
Governor of Pennsylvania for Volunteers to serve Id the AYar 
with Mexico, met with a ready response from the citizens of 
Harrisburg. 

A company, composed of nearly 100 members, styled the 
''Cameron Guards," in honor of Gen. Simon Cameron, was en- 
rolled on the 26th of December, 1846. This company was un- 
der the command of Capt. E. C. Williams, and was mustered 
into the United States service at Pittsburg, to serve " ^uring 
the war," by Lieut. Fields, of the U. S. Army, on the 2d day 
of January, 1847. 

MUSTER ROLL OF THE CAMERON GUARDS, 

We annex a table containing a roll of the members' names, 
the place of their nativity and residence, their occupation, with 
remarks, &c. It is taken from the original roll of the com- 
pany, in possession of Capt. Williams. Those of whom no men- 
tion is made in the column of " remarks," served " during the 
war," and were honorably discharged at Pittsburg. 



208 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



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ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 209 



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210 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



1 

a 


Died on the march, at Beroges, July 3, 1847. 

Disch. from hospital. Vera Cruz, April 21, 1847. 

Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. 

Died in the city of Vera Cruz. 

Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. 

Disch. at city of Mexico, for wounds received 

at the taking of the city. 
Died in hospital, Puebla, July 21, 1847. 

Died in the city of Mexico. 

Died in hospital, Puebla, August 17, 1S4T. 

Disch. from hospital. Vera Cruz, April 13, 1847. 

Disch.from hospital, Jalapa, May 19, 1847. Pro- 
moted Lieut, in regular army ; since Captain. 
Disch. from hospital, Puebla, March 7, 1848. 
Died in hospital, Puebla, August S, 1847. 

Disch. from hospital, city Mexico, Mar. 4, 1848. 
Disch. from hospital, Jalapa, June 1, 1847. 
Died in hospital, Puebla, November 9, 1847. 
Died in hospital, city of Mexico, Oct. 12, 1847. 
Transferred from N. Y. regt. Oct. 31, 1S47. 
Joined from General Depot, April 17, i848. 
Recruited at Sau Angel, April 27, 1S4S. 


a 
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Farmer, 

Shoemaker, 

Boatman, 

Shoemaker, , 

Laborer, 

Printer, 

Moulder, 

Moulder, 

Printer, 

Barber, 

Blacksmith, 

Carpenter, 

Brickmaker, 

Printer, 

Shoemaker, 

Printer, 

Miller, 

Farmer, 

Boatman, 

Butcher, 

Contractor, 

Cab't maker. 

School teac'r. 

Shoemaker, 

Blacksmith, 

Bricklayer, 

Stone mason. 

Laborer, 

Law student, 

Cordwainer, 

Carpenter, 

Stone cutter. 

Printer, 


a' 


Dauphin county, 
Lancaster city, 
Chemung, N. Y. 
Lancaster city. 
Centre county, 
Philadelphia, 
Lancaster city, 
Centre county, 
Harrisburg, 
New York, 
York county, 
Cumberland county, 
Carlisle, 
Centre county, 
Stoystown, 
Middletown, 
Ilummolstown, 
York county, 
Pennsylvania, 
Lancaster city, 
Ilighspire, 
Shippensburg, 
Carlii^le, 

Lancaster county, 
Dauphin county, 
Lancaster city, 
Cumberland county, 
Ireland, 
Harrisburg, 
York county, 
Franklin county, 
Tyrone, 
Carlisle, 


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1 
12; 


Novinger, Iliram, 
Powers, John, 
Palmer, Joseph, 
Patrick. John, 
Reigle, Simon, 
Rock, David B. 
Rees, David, 
Rees, William, 
Rees, James J. 
Rexford, Ensign, 
Roller, Samuel, 
Rodgers, Robert A. 
Reighter, Henry, 
Shaw, James, 
Shoemaker, John, 
Spayd, Christian R. 
Spong, John, 
Snyder, Jacob, 
Snydei-, Jeremiah, 
Shaum, Frederick, 
Stentz, Henry, 
Trexler, Michael P. 
Underwood, Edward, 
Unger, Franklin, 
Wolf, Samuel, 
Winower, George, 
Willis, William, 
Ward, Patrick, 
Wood, Henry B. 
Walters, John, 
Washabaugh, Lewis, 
Hagac, James P. 
Henry Miller, 
Puchalski Eugene, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 211 



RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS. 

The remnant of the " Guards" returned to town in July, 1848, 
and were welcomed with every demonstration of joy and delight 
by our citizens. 

The company was met at the foot of Market street by the 
citizens and military, who, after escorting it through the prin- 
cipal streets of the borough, amid the ringing of bells and the 
firing of cannon, repaired to the public grounds in the rear of 
the State Capitol, where the survivors were publicly welcomed 
by Edward A. Lesley, Esq., on behalf of the citizens, in a 
beautiful speech, replete with patriotic allusions. 

The entire multitude then sat down to an elegant and plen- 
tiful repast, which had been provided for the occasion, free of 
all expense. 

It is believed that there are not now living more than fifteen 
members of this company. 

EXECUTION OF CONVICTS AT HARRISBURG. 

We give an account of all the executions at Harrisburg of 
persons convicted of murder, since the establishment of Dau- 
phin county : 

Execution of John Hauer and Charles M'Manus. 

The first persons who suffered capital punishment, by hang- 
ing, in Harrisburg, after the erection of Dauphin county, were 
Charles M'Manus and John Hauer, or Hoar, as pronounced by 
some. 

These unhappy men, with Francis Cox, Patrick Donagan, 
Elizabeth Hauer, and two others, were confined in the prison 
of Dauphin county, for the wilful murder of Francis Shitz, in 
Heidelberg township, (now forming part of Berks county,) on 
the night of the 28th of December, 1797. 



212 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Francis Shitz, with, his brother, Peter Shitz, had been at a 
vendue, and returned home in the evening greatly fatigued. 
The former laid himself on a bench near the stove to rest, while 
the latter retired to bed in an adjoining apartment. They had 
not been long in this tranquility before a female of the house 
discovered a light in the kitchen, and opening the door, was 
frightened at the appearance of several men, and immediately 
endeavored to awaken Francis Shitz ; but she had only in part 
effected her purpose, when one of the assassins presented a pis- 
tol at his head, which he discharged, and killed him on the 
spot. In the meantime two others proceeded to the bed room 
of the brother, Peter Shitz, with axes, and at the first stroke 
which one of them made, his axe caught the cord of the cur- 
tain, which in some measure stopped the force of the blow. He 
was, however, very much cut on the shoulder, which caused him' 
to leap from the bed to the floor, and to have the presence of 
mind to seize a chair, with which he knocked them both down ; 
but in leaving the room he received another deep wound on his 
posterior, which did not prevent him, however, from locking 
the door and escaping out of a window, and retreating to a barn, 
where he placed himself in a narrow passage, armed with a 
pitchfork; but after waiting a considerable time, and finding 
the murderers had gone, he repaired immediately to ShaefFers- 
town and gave the alarm, and by the vigilance of the inhabi- 
tants the assassins were arrested. Peter Shitz was only seven- 
teen years old. The motive which led to the deed was thought 
to have originated with John Hauer, brother-in-law to the de- 
ceased, who expected to fall heir to a considerable estate had he 
accomplished his wicked purpose. 

The grand jury, at the June term of Court, 1798, found true 
bills of indictment against Charles M'Manus and Peter M'Don- 
oghy as principals, and John Hauer, Elizabeth his wife, Patrick 
Donagan, Francis Cox and Hugh M'Donough as accessories be- 
fore the fact. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 213 

On Wednesday, the 18th of June, 1798, Charles M'Manus 
was brought to his trial first, which continued nearly eight 
hours, when he was convicted, upon the fullest evidence, of 
murder in the first degree. 

On the Friday following, a jury was sworn for the trial of 
John Hauer, Patrick Donagan, and Francis Cox, which trial 
continued until Sunday evening at half-past seven o'clock, when 
the jury, after having been out three and a half hours, returned 
with a verdict of guilty against John Hauer, but not guilty 
against Donagan and Cox. 

M'Manus and Hauer were sentenced by Judge Henry, at 10 
o'clock next day. 

The " Oracle of Dauphin," of July 18, 1798, speaks of the 
execution as follows : 

" On Saturday, the 14th inst., were executed on the public 
ground, [between the State Arsenal and Surveyor General's 
Oflice,] John Hauer and Charles M'Manus, in pursuance of 
their sentence, for the murder of Francis Shitz. The deport- 
ment of Hauer was much more decent and composed than was 
expected from his conduct since his trial and condemnation. 
Whether his dumbness was real or affected, he was at least con- 
sistent, and sustained the concluding scene without uttering a 
syllable. 

"M'Manus, in his last moments, confirmed the testimony he 
had given to the grand jury, viz : ' That he was not in the 
house, or present at the murder, but that he held a horse at the 
end of the lane, in order to aid the escape of the perpetrators, 
who were Hauer and Hugh M'Donough. He appeared with 
the same manly and even cheerful resignation which he had in- 
variably preserved during his trial and imprisonment, and 
which, added to his youth, had, notwithstanding the atrocity of 
his crime, procured him no inconsiderable degree of public sym- 
pathy and favor." 

After the execution, " Henry Orth, High Sheriff of Dauphin 



214 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

county," published a card returning " his thanks to the inhabi- 
tants of the borough, and particularly to the ofl&cers of the sev- 
eral corps of volunteers and militia, for their indefatigable care 
in guarding the public jail for many months past, and for their 
attendance and good order on the day of the execution of the 
two late unhappy criminals." 

The ''guarding the public jail" alluded to by the Sheriff, 
was rendered necessary in consequence of several attempts hav- 
ing been made by the prisoners to escape. 

The "Oracle," of January 31st, 1798, states, "there never 
was, since the prison has been built, a greater number of crimi- 
nals in it. 

" Last Friday night an attempt was made to burn the jail in 
this town, supposed by some of the criminals ; but after the fire 
had penetrated through the floor, and the coals dropping on one 
confined in the dungeon below, who finding his situation rather 
critical, was obliged to give the alarm, when the fire was in a 
short time extinguished. 

" Much praise is due to Captains Henry, Connolly, and Ber- 
ryhill, and the gentlemen belonging to their military companies, 
who voluntarily form a suf&cient guard every night to prevent 
the prisoners from having any opportunity to escape." 

Execution of James M' Gowen and James Jamison. 

James M' Gowen and James Jamison were tried and convict- 
ed by the court of Dauphin county, for the murder of Jacob 
Eshleman. Monday, the 6th day of December, 1806, was the 
day fixed for their execution, at Harrisburg. Jamison, how- 
ever, before that period, effected his escape from durance, and 
M'GrOwen was, consequently, the only one who suffered the ex- 
treme penalty of the law on the appointed day. 

Although the day was excessively cold, a large number of 
both sexes assembled at an early hour about the jail, with a view 
to catch a sight of the unhappy culprit. About 12 o'clock the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 215 

culprit was brought out of the prison, when a lane was formed 
by the several militia companies which attended on the occa- 
sion ; through this opening he marched with much firmness, 
behind the cart which contained his coffin, to the gallows on the 
public grounds, near the Arsenal. Here he expressed a desire 
to address the spectators, and begged a little liquor to exhiliarate 
his spirits ; as he was thinly clad, and the weather intensely 
cold, some of the gentlemen on duty offered him a bottle, con- 
taining about half a pint, to taste ; this he took, and before any 
interference could be made, he drained it to the last drop. The 
effect of this rather changed the tragedy to a farce. He became 
enraged with the executioner, tore off part of the mask the lat- 
ter had put on to conceal himself, and even knocked him down 
from the cart. Indeed, such was his behavior in these, his last 
moments, that it in a great degree eradicated that compassion 
which many felt for him during his confinement. He was 
launched into eternity precisely at 1 o'clock p. M. 

Jamison was subsequently arrested near Reading, brought to 
Harrisburg, and likewise publicly executed on the public ground, 
near the Arsenal. 

Execution of James London. 

James London, a free man of color, was tried and convicted 
before the Court of Oyer and Terminer of Dauphin county, in 
June, 1818, for the murder of his wife. 

The deceased and prisoner lived in Harrisburg, near the Af- 
rican Church, which formerly stood at the foot of Mulberry 
street. On the morning of Sunday, the 1st of March, 1818, 
they were seen at home, sober, friendly, and rather playful. 
About 1 o'clock in the afternoon he had been abroad and re- 
turned. He asked her for victuals — was displeased with what 
had been prepared, and threw it, with some other articles, into 
the street. An altercation took place between them ; he threat- 
ened her destruction, and she went for a constable. In the 



216 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

meantime lie was seen to charge a musket, and upon her return, 
after near an hour's absence, and before she had entered the 
door, he met her, and discharged the contents of the musket 
into her head. The report of the musket immediately drew 
together a considerable number of persons, to whom he stated 
that he had killed his wife, and he must hang for it. This he 
several times repeated on his way to, and before a magistrate. 
There was no evidence that he had drank any intoxicating liquor 
that day, although he was addicted to it. 

Messrs. Irvin, Foster, F. R. Shunk, and Roberts, counsel for 
the prisoner, made eloquent appeals to the feelings of the jury 
before whom the defendant was tried, admitting that the pris- 
oner was guilty of murder in the second degree, but insisted 
that he was under the influence of intoxication at the time; and 
therefore the killing could not have been, in the language of the 
act of 1794, "willful, deliberate, and premeditated." 

Mr. Ellmaker was the Attorney General on the occasion of 
the trial, and Judge Scott presided. 

The jury retired about 6 o'clock P. M., and at 8 o'clock next 
morning came into court, and gave in a verdict of " guilty of 
murder in the first degree." 

The prisoner was sentenced on the 1st of July, 1818, and 
hung on the 8th of August following, between the hours of 10 
and 2 o'clock. 

London died truly penitent; and on the scaffold, a few min- 
utes before he was launched into eternity, it is said that, in re- 
ply to a remark of a lawyer at his side, he said, " Sir, I would 
not now exchange situations with you." 

The gallows upon which he was hung was erected in Second 
street, above State street. 

Execution of Benjamin Stewart. 

On Wednesday, February 6, 1824, between the hours of 1 
and 2 o'clock p. M., was hung, at Harrisburg, Benjamin Stew- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 217 

art, a colored man, convicted of the murder of Ann Oberholzer. 
He persisted to the last in denying that he had any intention of 
killing Mrs. Oberholzer, but freely confessed that he had been 
the cause of her death, in attempting to commit a rape on her 
person, and seemed fully satisfied with the justice of his doom. 

On the Monday preceding his execution, hiscoffin was brought 
into his room, at his own request, and with this memorial of his 
death before him, in the presence of a number of individuals, 
and the ministers of the place, the Rev. Dr. Lochman, Sr., ad- 
ministered to him the solemn ordinances of baptism. On Tues- 
day night, the prisoner was dressed in his shroud and cap, at 
his own request, and in these habiliments of death he partook, 
with the clergymen of the place and other pions citizens, of the 
Sacrament of the Supper. 

On Wednesday, he was led to the place of execution, in the 
centre of State street, a short distance below Second, accompa- 
nied by the military, the sheriff, (Gleim,) and the clergy. When 
he first came out of the prison his mind appeared oppressed, 
and the tears flowed freely from his eyes ; he soon, however, 
recovered, and walked with firmness to the gallows; there, after 
two hymns had been sung, a prayer offered up, and two short 
addresses delivered, he ascended the scaffold, when a prayer was 
offered up for him, which he followed with a prayer for himself. 
The 51st Psalm was then sung, and just as the concluding lines 
of the 6th verse were sung, the trap-door on which he stood fell, 
and the prisoner was launched into eternity. On this occasion, 
the prisoner and the audience, which was very numerous, were 
spared the disgusting sight of a painted and disguised hang- 
man, the sheriff performing this duty himself. This was the 
last public execution in Harrisburg. 

Execution of Courtland Charles Johnson. 

Courtland Charles Johnson, a boatman by profession, residing 
near Middletown, in this county, was arrested and confined in 

28 



218 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

prison, in the montli of August, 1853, charged witli the mur- 
der of his wife,.PriscilIa, and her alleged paramour, one Na- 
thaniel P. Colyer. 

At the November session, 1853, he was arraigned and tried 
for the murder of his wife, and the jury returned a verdict of 
murder in the second degree. 

At the April session of 1854, he was arraigned and tried for 
the murder of Colyer, when the jury brought in a verdict of 
murder in the first degree. His attorneys made a motion for a 
new trial, which, however, was overruled by the court, and the 
unfortunate prisoner received his sentence. 

The warrant for his execution was issued on the 8th of June, 
1854. 

A short time previous to his execution, he confided to the 
Rev. J. Mackey, one of his spiritual advisers, a confession of 
his crime, which was subsequently published, and from which 
we make the following extract, which explains the mode by 
which the murder was committed. 

After stating that the boat upon which he was employed had 
returned to Portsmouth, in this county, and that he had left the 
same at dark, to go and see his wife, who resided on the oppo- 
site side of the Swatara creek, he was informed, on his way, of 
her bad conduct, he continues : " But I had often heard such 
reports before, and was very certain they were too well ground- 
ed. Still I don't know that I was much moved by the story I 
now heard. Passing on I arrived at the board fence which sur- 
rounded the shed dwelling where she lived. On approaching 
the place, I thought I heard some persons conversing in a low 
tone of voice, and on coming nearer it appeared to me I recog- 
nized the voice of Priscilla. Now suspicion at once seized me, 
and creeping up quietly to the fence, and unobserved, I dis- 
covered my wife in the lot, on the ground with some man whom 
I did not know, and which afterwards proved to be Nathaniel 
P. Colyer. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 219 

"Remaining in this position long enough, to satisfy me of 
their criminal connection, I raised myself up, which they dis- 
covered. They immediately rose up and passed hastily round 
the house into rather a dark and shady spot, for I think, if I 
mistake not, the moon shone or else the stars very brightly. — 
Discovering the direction they took I passed round the house 
the opposite vray, which I think they did not know, nor do I 
think they yet knew who I was. Wrought up to the highest 
pitch of rage and jealousy, and being somewhat under the in- 
fluence of liquor, for I had been drinking freely all the day, I 
now laid hold of my revolver. On turning the corner of the 
house my wife turned suddenly around, hearing my footsteps. 
We stood face to face, within a few paces of each other. I said, 
I have caught you now, raised the deadly weapon and discharg- 
ed its contents, aiming for her breast. She dropped upon her 
knees and cried out, 'My God, Johnson, you have shot me!' 
and in a short time sunk over in the agonies of death. Where 
Colyer was precisely at this time I do not now distinctly recol- 
lect, nor the distance he was from me. It is said I fired another 
shot at some one, which, if I did, (for I was all confused,) it 
may have been at Colyer, as the evidence shows he received 
the ball in the spine." 

The day appointed for the execution of the prisoner was on 
the 25th of August, 1854. On the morning of that day he 
was busily engaged perusing the 14th chapter of St. John, in 
the New Testament, which was his favorite study. 

About twelve o'clock the jury, selected by the Sherifi", the phy- 
sicians, Drs. Bombaugh, Seller, Roberts, and Rutherford, with 
the members of the press and clergy, were admitted into the 
prison; while the latter proceeded to the cell of the prisoner 
and engaged in devotional exercises. 

At twenty-five minutes before one o'clock the cell was vaca- 
ted by the clergy and the Sherifi" entered with a white shroud, 
and proceeded to array him therein. The prisoner, led by the 



220 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Sheriff, soon appeared in tlie vestibule of the prison, when a 
procession was formed, and the entire body marched to the 
scaffold, which had been erected the day previous, in the yard, 
at the rear of the building. When the procession reached the 
scaffold, the prisoner mounted with a firm step, followed by his 
spiritual advisers, the Rev. Messrs. A. Cookman, of the Me- 
thodist Episcopal; Colder and Mackey, of the Bethel; and 
Holmes, of the United Brethren Church. The Rev. Mr. 
Mackey, after a few remarks, gave out the hymn of " Jesus 
the Lord of my soul," which was sung by the congregation. 
A fervent and impressive prayer was then delivered by the Rev. 
A. Cookman. After which each of the clergy embraced the 
prisoner, and descended the scaffold. Sheriff Williams then 
adjusted the cap and rope, and after taking a fervent leave of 
him, descended, and precisely three minutes before one o'clock 
P. M., pulled the bolt of the drop which launched the prisoner 
into eternity. He appeared to die without the least struggle, 
and his pulse ceased to beat when he had only been suspended 
four and one-half minutes. 

The last sentence spoken by the prisoner was ''Lord Jesus, 
receive my soul — " which hung on his lips when the drop fell. 
He remained suspended for thirty minutes, when he was pro- 
nounced dead by the physicians and cut down by the Sheriff, 
who had his remains placed in a cofiin prepared for interment. 

Execution of William Williams. 

William Williams, a coal miner by profession, at the Novem- 
ber sessions, 1857, of the Dauphin county court, was tried for 
the murder of Daniel Hendricks, near Lykenstown, in this 
county, by shooting him with a gun. The warrant for his ex- 
ecution was issued by the Governor on the 1st of March, 1858, 
and it fixed Friday, the 21st day of May, 1858, for the time 
of said execution. 

A little before twelve o'clock on the morning of said day, the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 221 

culprit, accompanied by Sheriff Jacob Eyster, Kevs. Marquet, 
Martz and Bartine; the jury, Deputy Sheriff, and other per- 
sons who had been permitted to witness the execution, left the 
prison, and marched in procession to the scaffold, which was the 
same as that used for the execution of Johnson, and placed in 
the same position. Here, the prisoner ascended the scaffold, 
with the Sheriff, followed by Eevs. Bartine and Martz. After 
a solemn prayer by the former clergyman, an appropriate hymn 
was sang. His spiritual advisers then took an affectionate leave 
of him and descended from the scaffold, when the Sheriff pro- 
ceeded to adjust the rope, and placed the cap over the prisoner's 
head and face ; after which he likewise descended from the gal- 
lows, and proceeding to the rear thereof, touched the spring, 
which caused the drop to fall, and the unfortunate culprit was 
launched into eternity. 

This was the last execution that occurred in our county. A 
death-warrant, for the execution of an Irishman named Simon 
Green, had been issued on the 26th of October, 1856; but 
about one Jiour previous to the time fixed for his execution, he 
was respited by the Grovernor to a fixed day, which was subse- 
quently extended without date ; and he still continues an inmate 
of the county prison, 

CONCLUSION. 

This concludes our record of the most striking events that 
have transpired in our borough, from the period of its first set- 
tlement, to the present day. Many interesting incidents, how- 
ever, connected with the early history of the town, will, for 
want of proper dates, be found in the appendix. 



HARRISBURG AT PRESENT. 



Harrisburg, a post town, borough, seat of justice of Dauphin 
county, and capital of Pennsylvania, is situated on the east, or 
left bank of the Susquehanna river, one hundred and six miles 
from Philadelphia, thirty-eight from Lancaster, -one hundred 
and twenty-one from Washington city, and two hundred and 
forty-eight from Pittsburg, computed by railroad. It is situ- 
ated in latitude 40° 16' north; longitude 0° 5' 30" east, from 
Washington, or 76° 50' west, from Greenwich, England. 
The eastern part of the site of the town is a gently swelling 
hill or high bank, between the river and Paxton creek, which, 
technically speaking, is a superficial deposite, consisting of dilu- 
vium and alluvium, whose antiquity may be dated with that 
geological epoch which witnessed the production of the ''Erat- 
tic block, or Boulder group formation." Its composition is 
chiefly a ferro-argillaceous clay, with beds of silicious sand 
and gravel arranged in parellel strata, and extending to an aver- 
age depth of about thirty feet, to the blue limestone formation 
which occupies the bed of the river. 

The following streets and alleys run parellel with the river, 
and are given, beginning at the river, in their regular order to 
the eanal : 

Below Paxton Street. 
"Water street, Shower alley, 

Kace street. 

Above Paxton Street. 
Front street, Rasberry alley. 

River alley, Third street. 

Second street, Dewberry alley, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURa. 223 

Fourth street, Filbert street, 

Huckelberry alley, Poplar lane, 

Fifth street, West avenue, 

Sixth street, East avenue, 

High street, Hasel alley, 

Farmer's alley, Washington street. 

West alley, Cedar alley. 

Short street, Commerce street, 

Spruce street, Canal street, 

East alley, Meadow lane. 

The streets and alleys named above are intersected, or crossed, 
at right angles, by the following : 

Nagle street, Barbara alley, 

Reily street. South street, 

Paxton street, West State street, 

Vine street, Liberty alley. 

Washington avenue, east of state capitol. 

Mary's alley, Cranberry alley, 

Mulberry street, Short street, 

Cherry alley, South alley, 

Chestnut street, East State street. 

Blackberry alley, North alley. 

Market street, Dauphin street. 

Strawberry alley, north of state capitol. 

Walnut street, North street, 

WEST OF STATE CAPITOL. North avenuc, 

Locust street, Primrose alley. 

Cranberry alley, Astor alley, 

Pine street, York street, 
Partridge alley. 

There are a number of other streets, lanes and alleys, recent- 
ly made in the suburban parts of the borough, which have not 
yet received names. 

"Market Square" is located in Second street, between Straw- 
berry and Blackberry alleys, both of which communicate with 
it, and is bisected by Market street. Two capacious market 
houses occupy its centre — one on each side of Market street. 



224 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

The population of the town in the year 1800 was 1,472 ; in 
1810,2,287; in 1820, 2,990; in 1830, 4,311; in 1840,6,020; 
in 1845, 6,193; in 1850, 7,834; of which 3,456 were females, 
3,468 were males, and 910 were colored people; in 1854, 12,- 
400, and at the present time about 16,000. 

According to the Mercantile Appraiser's return for 1858, 
there are twenty-two dry-goods stores in the borough, six of 
which pay an annual license of ^7 ; seven, $10 ; three, 112.50 ; 
one, $15 ; and five $20 ; — and forty-four grocery stores, twenty- 
nine of which pay an annual license of $7 ; twelve, $10 ; one, 
$12.50 ; and two, $20 ; and one hundred and four miscellaneous 
mercantile establishments, seventy-two of which pay an annual 
license of $7; twenty-three, $10 ; six, $12.50; one, $15; one, 
$20, and one, $25. Three billiard tables and two ten-pin al- 
leys, the former paying $50 and the latter $40 license ; five 
breweries, three of which pay $25, and two $16 license; a bill 
and exchange broker paying $60 license ; twenty-three oyster 
and eating houses, two of which pay $10 license ; twelve, $12, 
and one $20. Twenty-nine taverns, of which nine are of the 
first class. Since these returns a large number of additional 
licenses for beer and eating houses have been taken out. 

Harrisburg is now a thriving and prosperous town ; and, from 
present indications, bids fair to surpass in the race of progress 
any inland town in the State. The large amount of capital 
held by many of its citizens, has within a few past years been 
put into active circulation; and as a natural consequence the 
spirit of industry has received a powerful impetus. Important 
enterprises have been put on foot and properly sustained ; and 
whilst these have served to impart a busy, bustling appearance 
to the place, they have also been the means of adding to our 
material wealth, as well as to increase our population. The pro- 
ducts of the various manufactories have acquired an enviable 
reputation ; and, we are pleased to learn, meet with rapid sales 
in the markets to which they are shipped. The works of the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 225 

Harrisburg Car Factory, the foundries of Messrs. Bay and Jen- 
nings, the Novelty and Keystone Iron Works, the furnaces of 
Messrs. Porter and M'Cormick, the machine shops of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad, the rolling mills of Messrs. Pratt & Son and 
Messrs. Bailey & Brother, and the Cotton Factory, afford regu- 
lar employment to hundreds of operatives, each of whom con- 
tributes much to the development of the resources of the town. 
Such a large, thrifty and intelligent body of men in our midst 
necessarily required an extension of the limits of the borough 
in order to supply them with the conveniences of life. The 
swelling tide of population naturally sought an outlet in the 
suburbs. Where a few short years ago the forest flourished, or 
the plough sped, we now see neat, tidy and comfortable houses 
dotting the scene. For the most part they are owned by the 
humble mechanic The sagacity of the shrewd speculator saw 
to what great advantages the demand for "more room'^ might 
be turned. He laid out lots suitable in size for the erection of 
a respectable home, and made the terms so easy that the indi- 
gent could purchase with the least exercise of economy. He 
thus not only benefitted himself in a pecuniary point, but pre- 
sented decided inducements to the poor to secure for themselves 
a homestead. The villages of West Harrisburg, Paxton and 
Parkville, on the north and west, and that of Prospect on the 
ridge east of the borough limits, testify to the wisdom of the 
capitalist as well as to the wisdom of the purchasers. The one 
increased his store of dollars and the other obtained a home, 
whilst both promoted the improvement, progress and beauty of 
our town. 

The fituation of Harrisburg is delightful. It stands on an 
eminence which commands a beautiful view of the Susquehanna 
and the surrounding mountains. The salubrity of its climate is 
such that no epidemic has ever been known to decimate its in- 
habitants. The scenery around it would extort praise from the 
lover of nature, and give inspiration to the pencil of a Claude, 

29 



g26 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Trayelers from other lands have been known to stand in raptures 
gazing on the gorgeous panorama of shifting clouds, tinged with 
every variety of splendid colors, as they marshal about the sun, 
sinking sublimely behind the tops of the hills, whose peaks his 
parting rays bathed in glory. So long as the heavens are clothed 
with beauty, Harrisburg need never be ashamed of its sunsets. 

The inhabitants are generous, sociable and hospitable.. The 
hand of friendship is cheerfully extended to every new-comer, 
nor is it ever coldly withdrawn until there be just cause Their 
intelligence prompts them to patronize all literary entertain- 
ments, while amusements of a proper character always receive 
their meed of support. 

The hotels, for the accommodation of the public, will com- 
pare favorably with the best of the cities. The buildings them- 
selves are ample and commodious, and are fitted up with every 
modern improvement. The tables are noted for their variety 
and luxuries, to supply which the finest and most excellent mar- 
kets in the Commonwealth give abundant opportunities. 

With these attractions and natural facilities, it requires no ex- 
traordinary acumen to predict that Harrisburg is destined, at 
no distant day, to take its station in the front ranks of the many 
growing towns of the Keystone. And many, who now read 
these pages, may live to see the day when it will be the centre 
of the great manufacturing and industrial interests of our State, 
as it is now the centre of all political power. 

We append a description of the public buildings, with con- 
densed sketches of the societies, and other public institutions 
of the borough. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

The State Capitol. — The State Capitol occupies a beauti- 
ful eminence on the northern border of the borough. From its 
pupola may be seen one of the finest landscapes of the State, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 227 

embracing a wide extent of cultivated country, swelling hills, 
the meanders of the river, and the adjacent mountains. The 
building fronts the river to the west, which is seen through 
State street, a handsome avenue one hundred and twenty feet 
wide. The pile consists of the main building, or State House, 
and two wings for the public offices, which were originally de- 
signed to be connected together by low ornamental walls, with 
gateways. The centre building is set back of the wings, so far 
that the inner columns of the porticos, of the parts, are in range, 
thus aflfording an uninterrupted view of them all. The ground 
slopes in front, and the main entrance is from State street, by 
ornamental massive gates, and a flight of sandstone steps with 
substantial iron banisters. There are other entrances, by simi- 
lar gateways, at the corner of North and Third streets, Walnut 
and Third streets, and North and High streets. Within the 
last few years a beautiful iron railing has been erected around 
that portion of the public grounds fronting on Third, Walnut, 
and North streets, and an appropriation will soon be made to 
continue the same on High street, which will complete the en- 
closure; the entire cost of which will amount to about $25,000. 

The main building of the Capitol is one hundred and eighty 
feet front, eighty feet deep, and two stories high. The lower 
story contains the vestibule, and stair-case, the chambers of the 
Senate and House of Representatives, and several small apart- 
ments for the accommodation of the members and officers of the 
Legislature. The second story contains rooms for the State 
Library, Canal Commissioners, Supreme Court, School Depart- 
ment, and committees. 

The main entrance is by a circular portico, the whole height 
of the building, sustained by six Ionic columns of red sandstone, 
painted white, four feet in diametor, and thirty-six feet high; 
the portico receding thirty-seven feet to a circular wall. The 
floor of the portico, upon which the columns rest, is about six 
feet high from the ground, and is attained by steps of sandstone, 



228 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

and paved with massive flags of the same material. From the 
floor to the top of the cornice the distance is forty-six feet, and 
the whole height of the front is fifty feet six inches From 
the top of the cornice to the top of the dome is fifty-seven feet, 
six inches, making the whole height one hundred and eight feet. 
The front, on either side of the portico, is divided into three 
equal parts, one of which is given to the corner, projecting with 
one window, which lights one of the transcribing rooms of the 
Senate at one end, and the Speaker's, or retiring room, of the 
House, at the other. The remaining parts contains three win- 
dows, which give light to both chambers. Under the portico 
are four windows on the first floor, two of which also communi- 
cate with the chambers, respectively, and the others with small 
apartments appropriated to the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate 
and the post oflice of the House. The ends of the building 
are divided into four equal parts. One is given to each corner 
projecting with one window, lighting at the south corner the 
Speaker's room, at the east corner the transcribing room of the 
House; at the west corner a transcribing room, and at the north 
corner the Speaker's room of the Senate. The remaining two 
contain three windows, the central of which are Venitian. 
The divisions and lights of the second story correspond with 
those of the first. 

The rotunda, above the roof, is composed of sixteen columns, 
twenty-two inches in diameter and seventeen feet high, and is 
forty-eight feet in diameter, outside of the columns. There is 
a space of three feet between the columns and wall. The di- 
ameter of the inside is thirty-four feet. The dome is forty feet 
in diameter. It contains eight windows, three feet six inches 
wide, and nine feet six inches in height, and eight niches of 
like dimensions. Four of the latter are partly covered with the 
faces of the clock, and the remainder were originally designed 
for the reception of statues. 

From the great portico we advance to the vestibute by large 



ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 229 

folding doors in the external wall. The vestibule is illiptical, 
having on its longest axis forty feet, and on its shorter thirty- 
four feet. There are eight doors opening into it on each story, 
two of which, in the first, communicate with the Senate and 
Representative chambers, respectively, and a third, more pro- 
perly an archway, leads to a double flight of stairs, which, mount- 
ing half the height of the story, unite and conduct to the second 
floor. On this floor the stair-case again divides and ascends into 
the roof and rotunda. The vestibule is partly floored over, 
leaving a circular opening, surrounded with a railing, through 
which, from below, may be seen the openings of the several 
landings, the vaulted ceiling, and through that the interior of 
the rotunda, with its vaulted roof. A capacious entry leads from 
this vestibule to both ends of the building, communicating with 
the Library, Supreme Court, and committee rooms of the Sen- 
ate, at the north end, and with the Canal Commissioners, School 
Department, and committee rooms of the House of Representa- 
tives, at the south end. The Library contains about 15,000 
volumes, beside a large number of duplicate volumes. 

The Senate Chamber, on the left of the entrance, is seventy- 
five feet by fifty-seven feet in the clear, and twenty-one feet 
high. The Representative Chamber has the same length and 
height, and sixty-eight feet in breadth. The Senate Chamber 
is arranged for the accommodation of thirty-three members, to 
each of whom is allotted a space of three feet six inches. — 
Their desks are two feet wide, and the platform or benches, on 
which they rest, are slightly raised, one above the other, and 
five feet nine inches wide. There is a space of five feet between 
the members seats and gallery. The latter will contain several 
hundred persons. The chair of the Speaker, centrally placed 
in the length of the room, is supported upon an ornamental dais, 
with a columnar and neatly carved back, decorated with crimson 
tapestry. Behind the chair is an open space, lighted by the 
Venitian window, from which doors lead to tilosets on either hand. 



230 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

used by the transcribing clerks. The chief and assistant clerks 
are accommodated with desks, on a platform, immediately in 
front of the Speaker's chair. 

The Hall of the House of Representatives is disposed after 
the same manner, but being designed for the accommodation of 
one hundred members, the desks are considerably smaller than 
those of the Senate The chair used by the Speaker of this 
body is the one occupied by John Hancock, when presiding 
over the deliberations of the Continental Congress. It is an 
object of great curiosity to strangers visiting the Capitol. 

The building is furnished with gas throughout ; and the Sen- 
ate and Representative Chambers are illuminated at night, the 
former with two and the latter with four immense chandeliers 
of bronze pendent from the ceiling, besides brackets on the 
walls, and burners at the Speakers' and Clerks' desks. The 
rotunda is illuminated by simple brackets on the walls. 

Within the last year a large amount of money has been ex- 
pended in refurnishing and improving the interior of the Cap- 
itol. The floors of both of the Chambers have been covered 
with costly Brussels carpeting, and the rotunda with beautiful 
tiles; while the windows of the Representative Chamber have 
been fancifully curtained with damask, uniform with those which 
previously existed at the windows in the Senate Chamber. The 
walls and ceilings of both Chambers, with the rotunda to the 
vaulted ceiling of the dome, have also been frescoed in the most 
artistic style, giving the whole an appearance of sumptuousness 
not often found in legislative balls. 

The wings, much smaller in every way than the main build- 
ing, are, however, in keeping with it, and have porticoes of sim- 
ilar form, and if connected with the main building according to 
the original plan, would have a fine effect. At present they 
have an isolated appearance. The southern wing is occupied 
exclusively by the oflBces of the Land Department. The north- 
ern wing was enlarged by the erection of an additional building 



ANNALS OP HARBISBURG. 231 

at its north-eastern end, about fifteen years ago ; and contains 
the Executive Chambers, State Department, Attorney General's 
and Adjutant General's offices, on the second story, and the 
Treasury Department and Auditor General's office on the first 
floor. 

We append a list of the present State officers : 

Executive Department. — Governor — Wm. F. Packer. Pri- 
vate Secretary — Albert Packer. Messenger — Allen L. Innis. 

State Department. — Secretary of State — William M. Hies- 
ter. Deputy Secretary — Henry L. Diefi'enbach. Chief Clerk — 
John A. Innis. Clerks — B. F. Chandler, Richard Hogeland, 
John Jones, B. F. Irwin. Messenger — Benjamin Buffington. 

Attorney General's Office. — Attorney General — John C. 
Knox. Clerk — Charles B. Brockway. 

Common School Department. — Superintendent — Henry C. 
Hickok. Deputy Superintendent — John M. Sullivan. Record- 
ing Clerk — George W. Crabb. Warrant Clerk — James G. Sam- 
ple. Messenger — J. A. Spofi"ord. 

Auditor General's Office. — Auditor General — Jacob Fry, 
Jr. Chief Clerk— William Q. Wallace. Clerks— Charles Con- 
ner, S. W. Bailey, Thomas M. M'llhenney, J. B. Hutchinson, 
Carroll M' Clean, David R. Reynolds. Messenger — Ephraim 
Meek. 

Land Department — Surveyor General — John Rowe. Chief 
Clerk — Thomas J. Rehrer, Clerks — Samuel Slemmer, William 
D. Earnest, J. M. Cooper, T. N. Brooks, C. W. Dimmick, Jas, 
A. Johnson. Messenger — John D. Williams. 

Treasury Department. — State Treasurer — Henry S. Magraw. 
Chief Clerk — William D. Boas, Assistant Clerks — Randall 
M'Laughlin, George J. Boltorj, Samuel Brenizer. Messenger-^ 
George Adams, 

Superintendent of Public Buildings and GroTinds.—Qh&xa-r 
bers C. Mullin. 

The public buildings are simple and plain in their exterior ; 



232 ANNALS OF HARRISBURQ . 

but having a bold and distinct contour, they are grand and im- 
posing. 

The State Arsenal also stands on the public grounds cast of 
the Capitol. It is a neat brick edifice, with two wings, con- 
nected by a brick wall, and was built by Stephen Hills, the arch- 
itect of the Capitol, under direction of an act of Assembly 
approved the 15th of March, 1816, and cost the net sum of 
^12,000. Several attempts, not altogether unsuccessful, have 
been made to obtain the passage of an act authorizing the re- 
moval of this structure from its present site, as it is thought to 
mar the beauty of the eastern slope of the public grounds, which 
have recently been handsomely embellished by grading, and 
planted with evergreens and other ornamental shade trees, by 
Mr. Mullen, the present superintendent of the property. 

An act of Assembly was passed last winter appropriating funds 
for the erection of a monument in memory of citizens of Penn- 
sylvania who lost their lives in the Mexican war, upon some part 
of the public grounds The commissioners named in the act 
have solicited plans, specifications and estimates for the pro- 
posed monument, the cost of which is not to exceed the sum of 
^30,000. 



The County Court House. — This building is situated at 
the corner of Market street and Rasberry alley, on the remain- 
ing two of the four lots conveyed by John Harris, Jr., to the 
commissioners, for public use. 

It is an antique looking structure of brick, two stories high, 
with too wings, and a semi-rotunda in front, the whole surmount- 
ed with a circular wooden cupola, containing a bell. 

The semi rotunda was added to the main building, after its 
completion, by the State, to accommodate the officers of the 
Legislature, during its occupancy by that body. 

The wings are each seventeen by thirty-two feet in extent, 
inside of the walls, and contain two apartments on each story. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 233 

Those on the first stoiy of the western wing are occupied by 
the Prothonotary, and the two above by the Grand Jury and 
Town Couneii. The Register and Recorder occupy the first 
story of the eastern wing, and the County Commissioners the 
rooms on the second story. 

The front rooms on the first story of the wings, and all the 
rooms on the second story, communicate with the main building. 

The court room is forty-nine feet long and forty-five and one- 
half feet deep, to the front of the dais occupied by the Judges, 
in the rear of which the wall is built in the shape of a segment 
or a small circle, and pierced by three large windows. 

Galleries, with seats, occupy three sides of the room, capable 
of affording accommodation to about four hundred spectators, 
while nearly the same number can be accommodated withstand- 
ing room in the lobbys fronting them. 

The bar is circular, and partitioned from the lobby by neat 
wood pannels, about five feet high, surmounted with a small 
neat turned railing, about one foot high. Chairs and circular 
tables are here provided for the attorneys. 

The inner sides of the bar contain two jury boxes, partitioned 
from its centre by neat wooding railing, running parallel with 
the curve of the circle. That on the south-west side is fur- 
nished with benches, and is occupied by the Grand Jury, and 
the petit juries when returning a verdict. The one opposite 
contains twelve cushioned arm chairs, and is occupied exclusively 
by the petit juries when hearing the trials. 

The Prothonotary, reporters for the press, and Clerk of the 
Orphans' Court, are accommodated with desks immediately in 
front of the platform occupied by the Judges. 

The witness box is on the platform at the left side of the 
Judges ; and the prisoners generally occupy a seat on the right 
side of the gate leading within the bar. 

A door at the two rear ends of the room conducts into a large 
and beautiful yard, enclosed with a substantial board fence 

30 



2M ANNALS OP HARRISBUEG. 

painted white, and containing a variety of ornamental trees, 
disposed in straight lines, whose shady avenues, during the 
mid summer months, are much frequented by the court visitors. 

The main passage to the street, from the court room, leads 
through a spacious vestibule to the semi-rotunda before noticed, 
from which winds a stair-case to the second story, where it con- 
nects with an entry leading to an apartment of equal dimensions 
with the court room. 

When the Legislature held its sessions in the building this 
room was occupied by the Senate. It was latterly used for public 
meetings, lectures, &c., and is now temporarilly occupied by the 
Presbyterian Sunday School. A door at each corner communi- 
cates with the rooms on the second story of the wings, already 
described. 

The County Treasurer's and Sheriff's offices are located in 
the front part of the second story of the main building, the 
former on the north-eastern and the latter on the south-western 
side of the previously mentioned entry. The Treasurer's office 
communicates by a doorway with the Commissioner's office. 

The building stands a considerable distance in from the line 
of the street, and the space thus derived is occupied by an em- 
bankment of earth, properly leveled and paved with brick, which 
is attained by a small flight of sandstone steps running the en- 
tire length of the lot on Market street, and along its extent on 
Rasberry alley. 

The building is supplied with gas throughout ; and the court 
room is illuminated at night with brackets and a beautiful chan- 
delier, pendant from the ceiling, directly over the centre of the 
bar. 

The qualified electors of the north, east, south and west wards 
of Harrisburg, and of Upper Swatara and Susquehanna town- 
ships, have each their separate places of voting in the building. 

As nearly all the offices of the county are located in the court 
building, it is deemed proper to append the following list of 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



235 



County Officers. 

President Judge — John J. Pearson. 

Associate Judges — A. 0. Hiester, Felix Nissley. 

District Attorney — A. J. Herr. 

Sheriff— Jacob M. Eyster. 

Prothonotary, &c. — William Mitchell ; Clerk — J. C. Young. 

Recorder of Deeds, &c. — Peter Hummel ; Clerk — John Fox. 

Register of Wills, &c. — Samuel Marquart. 

Commissioners — John S. Musser, Samuel Singer, Jacob Buf- 
fington; Clerk — G-eo. J. Shoemaker. 

Treasurer — Alexander W. Watson. 

Surveyor — Daniel Hoffman. 

Directors of the Poor — Simon Daniel, Joseph Clark, John 
Raysor. 

Auditors — Henry Peffer, Isaac Deitrich, George Hammon. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures — Frederick Trace. 

Mercantile Appraiser — John H. Hummel. 

Tax Collectors— Southward— Dan'l Snyder; North Ward— 
M. B. Montgomery. 

List of Attorneys of the Courts of Dauphin coimty, from its 
organization to the year 1858. 

The following is a list of the attorneys who have practiced in 
the Courts of Dauphin county since the year 1785, the period 
of its organization, to 1858. It is compiled from the original 
list in the Prothonotary's office ; 



Stephen Chambers, 
John W. Kittera, 
John Clark, 
Joseph Hubley, 
John A. Hanna, 
James Riddle, 
John J. Henry, 
Peter Huffnagle, , 
Jacob Hubley, 



May Term, 1785. 



286 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



James Biddle, 
Collinson Reed, 
George Ross, 
John Reiley, 
Jasper Yeates, 
Robert Magaw, 
Thomas Hartley, 
Thomas Smith, 
David Grier, 
Thomas Duncan, 
John Caldwell, 
Andrew Dunlap, 
William Montgomery, 
William Graydon, 
Charles Smith, . 
James Smith, 
James Hamilton, 
William R. Atlee, 
James Hopkins, . 
Richard Wharton, 
George Fisher, . 
George Eckart, . 
William Bradford, 
Edward Burd, 
John Spayd, 
Matthias Barton, 
Galbraith Patterson, 
Marks John Biddle, 
John Moore, 
John Smith, 
Daniel Smith, 
Joseph Burd, 
Ralph Bowie, 
Charles Hall, 
Samuel Riddle, 
Samuel Roberts, 
Thomas Creigh, 
David Watt, 
Robert Duncan, 
Thomas Elder, 



May Term, 1785. 



August Term, 1785. 



May Term, 1786. 
(( <( 

August Term, 1786. 
<< <( 

November Term, 1786. 
May Term, 1787. 
August Term, 1787. 
November Term, 1787. 
February Term, 1788. 
May Term, 1788. 



August, 1788. 
August, 1789. 
November, 1789. 

February, 1790. 
May, 1790. 
<( (( 

August, 1790. 
May, 1791. 

<C it 

August, 1791. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



237 



Daniel Clymer, . 
Daniel Levy, 
William Wallace, 
George Smith, 
John Kidd, 
Samuel Laird, 
John Ross, . 
James Kelley, 
James Campbell, 
Jonathan Henderson, 
William Barber, • 
William R. Hanna, 
Matthew Henry, . 
John Shippen, 
John Montgomery, 
Samuel S. Galbraith, 
James Crawford, 
John Murray, 
Robert Whitehill, 
James Gilchrist, . 
Robert Stewart. . 
Evan Rice Evans, 
William A. Patterson, 
Charles Hartley, 
William Laird, . 
David Cassatt, 
Frederick Smith, 
Frederick Haller, 
William Ross, 
Alexander Graydon, 
Patton Ross, 
William A. Thompson, 
Robert Allison, . 
Thomas Graham, 
Andrew Buchanan, 
John Cadwallader, 
William Soner, . 
David Hays, 
Edward Goodwin, 
Hugh Hamilton, . 



November, 1791. 
March, 1792. 
June, 1792. 

(< (< 

(< (t 

September, 1792, 
<i '< 

December, 1792. 

March, 1793. 
<( (( 

December, 1793. 
March, 1794. 

June, 1794. 

September, 1794. 
December, 1794. 
September, 1795. 
December, 1795. 
September, 1796, 
December, 1796. 
March, 1797. 
September, 1797. 
June, 1798. 
December, 1798. 
March, 1799. 

September, 1799. 
March, 1800. 

September, 1800. 
December, 1800. 
June, 1801, 
t< <( 

Adjourned Court, July, 1801. 

December, 1802. 

Adjourned Court, January, 1803. 

March, 1803. 

June, 1805. 



238 



ANNAliS OF HARRISBXJRQ. 



Washington Lee, 


March, 1806. 




Abner Wickersham, . 


May, 1806. 




Andrew Carothers, 


September, 1806. 




William N. Irvine, 


Adjourned Court, March, 


1807 


Moses M'Lean, . 


May, 1807. 




Walker Reed, 


August, 1807. 




John B. Gibson, . 


(< (( 




Isaac B. Parke, . 


May, 1808, 




George Metzgar, . 


August, 1808, 




Amos Elmaker, . 


December, 1808. 




George K. Nutz, . 


Adjourned Court, March, 


1809 


George Metzgar, . 


May, 1809. 




Stephen Carson, . 


{( <( 




Alexander Mahon, 


April, 1810. 




James M'CuUough, 


December, 1810. 




Thomas Montgomery, . 


April, 1811. 




Henry Shippen, . 


. September, 1811. 




John Fisher, 


<{ << 




John Roberts, 


February, 1812. 




Bushnell Carter, 


May, 1812. 




Abiather Hopkins, * 


<( (( 




John Johnson, 


August, 1812. 




Andrew Berryhill, 


<< <i 




James Buchanan, 


November, 1812. 




James Dobbins, . 


(< (( 




Jacob B. Weidman, 


August, 1813. 




George B. Porter, 


(( a 




Henry W. Hurts, 


November, 1813. 




John M. Foster, . 


May, 1814. 




Charles A. Barnitz, 


December, 1815. 




Hugh Bellas, 


February, 1816. 




Samuel G. Strong, 


September, 1816. 




James Hamilton, 


October, 1816. 




Edwin Atlee White, . 


. December, 1816. 




Samuel Bacon, . 


(( (t 




Francis R. Shunk, 


September, 1816. 




Mordecai M'Kinney, . 


May, 1817. 




John Mahon, 


<( (( 




George Burd, 


(( (( 




Jonathan Houle, Jr., . 


May, 1818. 





ANNALS OP HAERISBURG. 



239 



Nicholas B. Wood, 
Daniel J. Heister, 
Philip Frazier, . 
John Mumma, 
David Durkie, 
Samuel Douglass, 
Michael Gallagher, 
Samuel Shock, 
James Maginnis, 
Henry Woodward, 
William Ramsey, 
John Smith, 
Frank Bugbee, . 
John Adams Fisher, 
William Powell, . 
William Penrose, 
Charles Davis, 
Samuel Alexander, 
James Findlay, . 
Adam H. Orth, . 
Edward Coleman, 
James B. Hubley, 
John Williamson, 
David W. Huling, 
Jacob W. Harning, 
William M'Clay, . 
Ethan Baldwin, . 
Morris Wilson, . 
Richard B. M'Cabe, 
Thomas Burnside, 
Ellis Lewis, 
Samuel J. Packer, 
David Krause, 
James M'Cormick, 
Christopher Leoser, 
Herman Alricks, 
William Ayres, . 
Samuel H. Nesmuth, 
Hamilton Alricks, 
Juegrand Satictoft; 



October, 1818. 
" 1819. 
December, 1819. 
<( << 

December, 1818. 
March, 1819. 
March, 1820. 



June, 1820. 
October, 1820. 
December 12, 1820. 
December, 1821. 



March, 1821. 
November, 1822. 
<< << 

January, 1823. 



April 21, 1823. 
«' 22, '« 
<( <i (( 

July 14, 1823. 
November 26, 1823. 
<< (< (( 

January, 1824. 

«' 19, 1824. 

'« 22, 1824. 
August 16, 1825, 
(I (( (< 

August 24, 1825. 
November 24, 1825, 
April 17, 1826. 
'• " 1827. 
January 22, 18281, 
, April ?2, 1828, 



240 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



John Lashell, 
Robert J. Fisher, 
Peter A. Browne, 
Benjamin Parke, 
Isaac Fisher, 
Calvin Blythe, . 
Walter Eranklin, 
C. C. Rawn, 
John Hogg, 
John Cadwallader, 
James H. Deaor, 
John W. Ashmead, 
E. P. Oliphant, . 
George Griscon, . 
Ebenezer Harrington, 
Samuel Hepburn, 
John Gardner, 
Thomas Ignatias Walsh, 
Chai-les Pleasants, 
Levi Kline, 
John H. Briggs, . 
David Pool, 
Joseph W. Cake, 
Frederick K. Boas, 
William S. Ramsey, 
James Cameron, . 
John H, Berryhill, 
James F. Cooper, 
William B. Reed, 
John T. Adams, . 
Alexander Ramsey, 
Jacques W. Johnson, 
H. C. Hickok, . 
B. B. Crawford, . 
Samuel W. Wharton, 
Lemuel G. Brandebury 
Charles W. Hepburn, 
Charles J. IngersoU, 
David Fleming, . 
Richard L. Elliott, 



April 22, 1828. 
August 16, 1828. 
November 25, 1828. 
<( (( <i 

30, " 
January, 28, 1829. 
September 2, 1829. 
January 18, 1831. 
November 17, 1881. 
April 23, 1832. 
July 14, 1834. 
August 25, 1834. 
November 18, 1834. 
19, " 
" 20, " 
u 24, " 
February 5, 1836. 
April 18, 1836. 
June, 12, 1832. 
April 17, 1837. 
" 18, " 
(1 t< (( 

" 26, " 

August 22, 1837. 

November 30, 1837. 

August 21, 1838. 
" 31, " 
" 20, 1839. 
" 22, " 

November 19, 1839. 

December 3, 1839. 

January 20, 1840. 

April 28, 1840. 

January 11, 1841. 
18, " 
30, " 

October 4, 1841. 

October 11, 1841. 

November 17, 1841. 

November 21, 1841. 



ANNALS OF IIARRISBURG. 



241 



Joseph G. Wallace, 
Richard C. M'Allister, 
Samuel T. Shunk, 
Jacob Y. Blacliwell, 
Thomas J. Jordan, 
Peter Brua M'Cord, 
James Snodgrass, 
Dewitt Clinton Brooks 
Edward A. Lesley, 
Cornelius P. Bennet, 
George F. Small, 
James Fox, 

Richard C. De Arraand 
B. Gibson Peacock, 
David Moore, 
Evans 0. Jackson, 
Henry K. Strong, 
Sarnuel Alleman, 
Francis C. Carson, 
Lemuel Todd, 
John W. Maynard, 
John B. Johnson, 
0. J. Bailey, 
John M'Kibben, . 
Horn R. Kneas, . 
R. A. Lamberton, 
William H. Miller, 
Vv^illiam Hamilton, 
David Barnitz, 
Beuj. Powell, 
John M. Reed, . 
William C. Chapman, 
John Henry Adam, 
William M. Penrose, 
James E. Smith, 
Robert E. Monaghan, 
James K. Kerr, . 
John H. M'Kune, 
William Brua Cameron, 
George F. Emerson, . 



November 21, 1841. 

(1 (( n 

U <( (< 

January 19, 1842. 

February 6, 1843. 

August 20, 1843. 

(( II II 

November 23, 1843. 
April 15, 1844. 

" 18, " 
August 19, 1844. 



April 22, 1845. 

" 29, " 
August 19, 1845. 

November 25, 1845. 
January 23, 1846. 
February 4, 1846. 
9, " 
14, " 
March 9, 1846. ' 
August 17, 1846. 
November 18, 1846. 
" 25, " 

K II II 

30, » 

December 7, " 

April 28, 1847. 

May 24, 1847. 

January 17, 1848. 
" 19, " 
" 28, " 

March 23, 1848. 

April 24, 1848. 

January 23, 1849. 

February 6, 1849. 



242 



ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 



H. Murray Graydon, 
Lafayette G. Dimocfe, 
William A. Shannon, 
John L. Shuler, . 
H. B. Wood, 
G. A. C. Seller,- . 
C. M. Shell, 
Charles W. M'Clean, 
J. Montgomery Forster, 
S. S. Elder, 

A. J. Herr, 

C. L. Lamberton, 
W. T. Bishop, . 
James Dawson, . 
R. M. Lee, . 
John S, Detwiler, 
John Detwiler, . 

B. F. Etter, 
John W. Brown, . 
A. Herr Smith, . 
Henry W. Lamberton, 
David Mumma, Jr., 
John W. Simonton, 
William C. A. Lawrence 
Jesse Landis, 
William H. Davis, 
George R. Hamilton 
H. C. Alleman, . 
J. Alexander Simpson, 
R. L. Muench, . 

D. H. Hofltues, . 
James M'Cormick, Jr., 
J. Wesley Awl, . 
George Hill, 
Alfred Pearson, . 
Benj, L. Forster, 
/oho H. Hampton, 
James F. Shunk, 
William H. Eckles, 
George W. M'Elroy, 



August 22, 1849. 
<( (< << 
(< i( ({ 

" 27, " 
November 20, 1849. 

January 22, 1850. 

April 24, 1850. 
(( (< (( 

August 20, 1850. 



" 23, " 
December 9, 1850. 
March 25, 1851. 
April 2, 1851. 
November 24, 1851. 
January 23, 1852. 
May 13, 1852. 
November 16, 1852. 
April 26, 1853. 
<( i( (( 

August 31, 1853. 
November 29, 1853. 
April 24, 1854. 
May 15, 1854. 
November 25, 1854. 
December 29, 1855. 
January 22, 1856. 
March 18, 1856. 
August 26, 1856. 
<< i( (( 

May 1, 1857. 
September 2, 1857. 
January 22, 1858. 
February 15, 1858. 
July 3, 1858. 
August 24, 1858. 
,'.' 27, " 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG, 



The following list is given 
the present practising attorney 
could find no record of the 
gentlemen named : 

Alricks, Herman. 

Alricks, Hamilton. 

Awl, J. Wesley. 

Alleman, Henry C. 

Berryhill, John H. 

Bishop, William T. 

Boas, F. K. 

Briggs, John H, 

Brown, John W. 

Casey, Joseph. 

Detwiler, John S. 

Eckles, William H. 

Etter, B. F. 

Fisher, J. Adams. 

Fleming, David. 

Forster, J. Montgomery. 

Forster, Benj. L. 

Graydon, H. Murray. 

Harris, George W. 

Herr, A. J. 



in " Brooks Rules of Court," as 
of the Dauphin county bar. We 
of admission of a few of the 

Jordan, Thomas J. 
Jones, J. A. W. 
Kunkel, John C. 
Knox, George W. 
Lamberton, R. A. 
Lawrence, William C- A. 
M'Cormick, James. 
M'Kinney, Mordecai. 
Miller, William H. 
Muench, R. L. 
Mumma, David, Jr. 
M'Cormick, James, Jr. 
Parke, Benjamin. 
Pearson, Alfred. 
Rawn, C. C. 
Roberts, John. 
Seller, George A. C. 
Shell, C. M. 
Simonton, J. W. 
Shunk, James F. 



The County Prison. — The County Prison is situated at the 
corner of Walnut street and Rasberry alley, on two of the lots 
conveyed by John Harris, Jr., to the commissioners for public 
use when the town was first laid out, noticed previously. The 
buildings occupy the site of the old County Prison, which was 
removed in 1839-40, to give place to the present structure. 

The building fronting on Walnut street is constructed of fine 
light granite from Chester or Montgomery county, in the Gothic 
style of architecture, and is devoted entirely to the residence 
and office of the keeper. It is two stories high, and surmounted 
with an octagonal tower, originally intended to contain an alarm 
bell. Being built at some distance from the line of the street, 



244 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

a handsome garden plot fronts the structure, enclosed with neat 
cast-iron railing. Wing-walls of granite flank the building on 
either side, which connect with massive limestone walls twenty- 
three feet high, enclosing the two sides and rear of the lots. 

Within this enclosure, and connected with the front building 
by a corridor ten feet wide, is the prison proper. It is a plain 
limestone building, two stories high, containing forty cells, each 
fifteen feet in length and seven and a half in width, twenty of 
which are on the first story, ten fronting each side of the cor- 
ridor. The twenty cells on the second story have a similar ar- 
rangement, and are attained by a stairway in the centre of the 
corridor leading to a gallery, with which they communicate. 

Each of the cells contain a bed and water-closet. The floors 
are covered with asphaltum. They are heated by hot water, and 
properly ventilated by apertures through the outside wall. The 
floor of the corridor is covered with brick, and is lighted and 
ventilated by sky-lights on the roof. Its entire length is eighty 
feet. 

The cost of the prison, finished in 1841, was $40,000. It 
was erected by John Haviland, architect. The Commissioners 
of the county at the period of its completion were John Bro- 
hofi", David Hummel, and Henry Peff'er, clerk. 

We append the Inspectors' and Keeper's report of the Prison 
for the year 1857 : 

Inspectors^ Report for 1857. 
To the Court of Quarter Sessions of the county of Dauphin : 

The Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison respectfully 
present their report for the year 1857. 

On the 1st of January, 1857, there were in prison 35 pri- 
soners; 1 under sentence of death; 1 then believed and since 
declared to be insane ; 13 sentenced to labor, to wit : 1 for eight 
years, 3 for six years, 1 for five years, 2 for four years, 1 for 
three years, 1 for two years, 1 for twenty months, three for one 



ANNALS OF HARRISBUBG. 



245 



year, and 20 awaiting trial. Of these, 27 were white males, and 
1 white female; 5 colored males, and 2 colored females. 

During the year 1857 there have been 767 prisoners received 
into prison. Of these, 186 are from Pennsylvania, 81 from Ger- 
many, 348 from Ireland, 83 from Maryland, 47 from New York, 
40 from Ohio, 10 from Virginia, 13 from New Jersey, and 4 
from Canada. Of these, 617 are white males, and 28 white fe- 
males; 100 colored males, and 22 colored females. 

Of those received in 1857 — to wit, 767 — there were commit- 
ted for 



Drunkenness, - - - 153 

Vagrancy, ... 360 

Disorderly conduct, - - 59 

Murder, - - - - 2 

Larceny, - - - - 42 

Assault and battery, - - 45 

Rape and attempt to commit, 5 

Robbery, - - - - 6 

Burglary, - . - . 4 

Higliway robbery, - - 1 

Picking pockets, - - 4 

Forgery, .... 3 

False pretences, - - - 11 

Passing counterfeit money, - 1 

Attempt to kidnap, - - 2 

Disorderly house, - - 8 

Fornication and bastardy, - 4 

Whole number, - - . 



Sodomy, ... .2 
Refusing to support their 

wives, .... 2 
Surety of the peace, - - 8 
Malicious mischief, - - 12 
Fighting and disturbing elec- 
tions, - ... 4 
Breach of promise to marry, - 1 

Riot, 4 

Arson, - . - . l 

Selling liquor without license, 8 

Selling liquor to minors, - 2 

Slander, - - - - 1 

Rescuing prisoner from oflScer, 1 

Bail piece, - - - - 3 

Default to pay costs, - - 8 

767 



During the year 1857, 732 prisoners have been discharged, 
to wit : by exprration of sentence, 7 ; by Court, 43 ; by com- 
mitting magistrates, 118; under existing laws, 557; removed 
to Pennsylvania Hospital, 1 ; removed to Cumberland county 
for trial, 1 ; pardoned, 1 ; committed suicide, 1 ; died, 3 ; leav- 
ing 35 in prison, January 1, 1858. 

Of those in prison, January 1, 1858 — to wit, 35 — 2 are under 



346 ANNALS OF HABRISBURG. 

sentence of death ; 20 under sentence to labor, to wit : 1 for 
eight years, 3 for sis years, 3 for five years, 2 for four years, 1 
for three years, 1 for two years, 1 for one year, 1 for eighteen 
monthsj 2 for nine months, 1 for eight months, 1 for six months, 

1 for four months, 1 for three months, 1 for two months ; 3 for 
costs 3 1 for safe keeping, being insane ; 4 to imprisonment only ; 
and 5 awaiting trial. Of these, 18 are white males, and 3 white 
females ', 10 colored males, and 4 colored females. 

Of the 20 in prison, January 1, 1858, sentenced to labor, 1 
was committed at January sessions, 1853 ; 3 at April and 1 at 
November sessions, 1855; 1 at January and 2 at August ses- 
sions, 1856 ; 6 at April, 3 at August, and 3 at November ses- 
sions, 1857. Of these, 14 are from Pennsylvania, 1 from Mary- 
land, 1 from Virginia, 1 from New York, 1 from England, and 

2 from Germany. Aged, to wit : 11 between twenty and thirty 
years, 3 between thirty and forty, 3 between forty and fifty, 2 
between fifty and sixty, and 1 between sixty and seventy. 

During the year 1857 we have drawn from the County Trea- 
sury $7,000. The account of the Prison for 1857, was, on the 
15th instant, settled and approved by the County Auditors. A 
detailed statement will in due time be published. 

In conclusion we remark, that in all respects we have full con- 
fidence in the ability and integrity of the Keeper and Matron of 
the Prison ; that the Physician, and also the under-keeper and 
superintendent of the weaving department, have each, in their 
respective stations, rendered full satisfaction, and that the 
County Commissioners have rendered all the aid required. 

C. F. MUENCH, 
M. KIRK, 
H. ANTES, 
WM. H. KEPNER, 
WM. COLDER, Jk., 
HENRY PEFFER, 
Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison. 
Dauphin County Phison, \ 
Harrisburg, January 15, 1858. / 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 24f 

Keeper's Report, January 1, 1858. 
To the Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison : 

Gentlemen : I respectfully submit to you the following re- 
port of the weaving department for the year 1857, to wit : 

Dk. 
Stock on hand, January 1, 1857, ----- $1,278 37 

Hay & M'Devitt, for yarn, &c., 84 36 

Thomas H. Creigh & Co., for yarn, &c., - - • - 489 84 
Robert Creighton & Co., for yarn, &c., - - - - 244 07 

Amount on hand and purchased for 1857, - - - $2,046 64 



Cr. 

169 pieces check, 9,464 yards, @ 9 cents, - - $851 76 

535 yards bagging, @ 15 cents, - - - 80 25 

38 dozen bags, @ $5, 190 00 

3 dozen 2 bushel bags, @ $3 75, - - - 11 25 

85 pounds carpets, No. 20, @ 25^ cents, - - 21 68 

85 pounds carpets, No. 6, @ 23 cents, - - 19 55 

55 pounds warp, No. 6, @ 23 cents, - - 12 65 

150 pounds bleached warp, @ 31^ cents, - - 47 25 

300 pounds blue warp and filling, @ 38 cents, - 114 00 

Real amount of stock, January 1, 1858, - - - $1,348 39 
240 yards pants stuff for prison, @ 25 cents, - 60 00 
280 yards check for shirting, @ 12| cents, - 35 00 

Amount used for Prison, ------ 95 00 

Cash received of Robert Creighton & Co., as per 
bill of sales rendered November 30, 1857, and 
since paid treasurer of Dauphin County Prison, 61 51 
Cash due April 4, 1858, from Robert Creighton & 
Co., as per bill of sales rendered May 30, 1857, 560 09 

621 60 

Amount of cash received and due, ----- 2,064 99 
Dr. as above, 2,046 64 



Balance for Prison, - - - - - - -$18 35 



248 ANNALS OP HAERISBURG. 

la addition to the above statement, I remark that, in conse- 
quence of the uncertain demand for goods, and the price in 
yarn, I have manufactured less than ordinary, believing it to be 
a saving to the county to do no more than was necessary for the 
healthy preservation of the body and mental faculties of the 

convicts. 

JOHN T. WILSON, 
Keeper of the Dauphin County Prison. 
Dauphin County Prison, ) 
Ilarrisburg, Januai-y 1, 1858. j 



Harrisburg Water Works. — On the 18th day of Sep- 
tember 1841, the chief engineer, T. Erdman, Esq., first an- 
nounced to the Town Council and citizens, the final completion 
of the Harrisburg Water Works, and at an early day thereafter 
the pure element was ready for general use. 

The water house of the works is situated at the western end 
of North street, on the bank of the Susquehanna, near aspot 
known as " Maclay's rock." It is constructed with a durable 
variety of granite in a very pleasing style of architecture. 

The top of the structure is on a level with the street, sur- 
rounded with ornamental cast-iron railing, and commands a 
prominent view of the surrounding scenery. On each side of 
the building are stone stair-ways to the entrances below. That 
on the southern side conducts to the boiler room; and that on 
the northern side into the engine and pumping room. The 
steam engine is forty horse power, twelve inch cylinder, five 
feet stroke, and performs sixteen revolutions per minute. It 
uses about fifty pounds of steam per inch, works a pump with 
a five foot stroke, and eight inch cylinder, under a head of ninety 
pounds, throwing three hundred and four gallons of water per 
minute a distance of about two thousand feet, making the ne- 
cessary allowance for wastage. 

The average annual expense of keeping the machinery in 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 249 

operation, including fuel, engineer's services, and other inci- 
dental expenses, is about one thousand six hundred dollars per 
year. 

The reservoir of the works is located on the high ground di- 
rectly north of the State Capitol. Its top is ninety-two feet 
above the low water mark at the Market street bridge, and ninety- 
one feet aboVe the low water mark of 1803 on Maclay's rock. 
The lot iipon which it is located contains eight acres and ten 
perches, audits cost, including the grounds, was §14,523 92 

The reservoir is capable of containing, at one foot depth, 
43,866 gallons of water; at ten foot depth, 702,252 gallons; 
and at sixteen foot depth. 1,539,195 gallons. 

There are between seven and eight miles of conducting pipe 
laid through the several streets of the borough, and connected 
with this are about one hundred fire-plugs and ninety stop-cocks, 
all of which undergo an annual inspection, and are kept iu 
constant repair. 

Statement shoioing the actual cost of the Ilarrisburg Water-works : 

Water house, inlet, &c , $13,.543 53 

Reservoir, fences and grounds, ----- 14,528 82 

Carpenter work and lumber, ------ 1,793 72 

Labor, &c., - ' - - - : • - - - - 11,681 47 

Blacksmith work, - 1,086 93 

Incidentals, - - - 68,110 99 

Removing grave yard, ------- 447 49 

Engineering, - - - - - - - - -3, 118 66 

Printing, 101 37 

Real estate, - - - - - - - - - 4,437 54 

Ti'easurer, Clerk, &c., (pay of,) 1,525 00 

Fence at water house, &c., ------ 88 50 

Total cost, - $120,459 12 



It is highly gratifying to the citizens of the borough to com- 
pare this result with that of other towns. When the city of 
Philadelphia had expended $657,398 91, her amount of water 



250 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

rents the first year was only |537. When the city of Lancas- 
ter completed her water works at a cost of 1104,000, her water 
rents the first year were $1,200 ; while the water works in Har- 
risburg, at the cost above stated, when in operation only seven 
months produced upwards of $3,000 rentage. 

The following is a list of the members of the Town Couucil 
who authorized and commenced the construction of the water 
works : 

Valentine Hummel, Sr., President; George J. Shoemaker, 
Clerk; John Knepley, Sr., William Catrell, William Ayres, 
George S. Kemble, William B. Johnson, Michael Burke, Sam- 
uel Pool. 



The Gas Works. — The Harrisburg gas company was incor- 
porated in 1850, with a capital of $75,000. The buildings of 
the company are situated on a lot two hundred feet wide and 
three hundred feet deep, at the east side of the Pennsylvania 
railroad, a short distance east of the foot of Mulberry street. 
They consist of two handsome brick structures each one story 
high. The north building is eighty-three feet long and thirty feet 
wide, and is occupied by the "retorts" and "benches," of which 
there are fifteen of the former, and five of the latter. There is, 
also, an apartment used for the storage of bituminous coal, of 
which about eleven hundred tons are used annually, and one for 
coke, which is used as fuel for the bench fires. The south 
building is sixty-eight feet long and thirty feet wide. Two of its 
rooms are occupied as offices, and one for the meter, which con- 
tains four large purifying boxes capable of passing 80,000 cubic 
feet of gas per twenty-four hours. Another room contains four 
additional purifying boxes and about one hundred and sixty feet 
of condensing pipe. There is also an apartment stoied with 
lime, used in the purification of the gas. 

The gasometer is situated a short distance below this build- 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 251 

ing. It is fifty feet in diameter and sixteen feet high, and ca- 
pable of containing 30,000 cubic feet of gas. 

The amount of gas consumed in the borough varies with the 
season of the year. During the session of the Legislature, and 
when the street lamps are illuminated, the daily consumption 
of gas amounts to about 25,000 cubic feet. In the fall of the 
year this amount is reduced to about 15,000 feet, and in the 
summer, on moonlight nights, it is still further reduced to about 
10,000 feet. 

There are about 28,000 feet of pipe laid through the streets 
of the borough, exclusive of one and a half miles to the Lunatic 
Hospital, Of this about 10,000 feet were laid by the contrac- 
tors, and the remainder by the company. 

The works were erected by Messrs. Stewart & Carver, and 
cost about $60,000, of which about $16,000 were paid to the 
builders. 

The first ofiieers were Gen. Wm. Ayres, President; John C. 
Bucher, Treasurer; and David Fleming, Secretary. 

Officers in October, 1858 : — George S. Kemble, President ; 
George Bergner, Secretary ; William T. Bishop, Treasurer ; Dr. 
W. W. Rutherford, A. Patterson, William Dock, Sr., Valentine 
Hummel, Sr., Directors; Levi Gray, Superintendent. 



The Harrisburg Cotton Factory. — This establishment 
is situated on North street, between Front and Second. It is 
built of brick, four stories high, two hundred feet long and 
sixty feet wide, with two end wings one story high, sixty-four 
feet long, and twenty-four feet wide. The main building is 
surmounted with a beautiful cupola containing a large and fine 
toned bell used to summon and dismiss the workmen in the 
day time, and to strike the hours at night by the watchman of 
the establishment. 

The building stands a considerable distance off the street, 



252 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

thus affording room for a spacious and well arranged garden plot 
in front, whicli is enclosed with a handsome wooden pallisade. 

At the extreme eastern corner of the lot is a detached one 
story brick building devoted to offices and the packing rooms, 
in which latter the bales of manufactured goods are marked 
with the company^s stamp, and packed with a hydraulic press 
possessing a power of twenty tons. 

Immediately in the rear of this building is an immense brick 
stack one hundred and four feet high. Entering the north- 
eastern wing of the main building the visitor will first observe 
five immense horizontal boilers, which consume in generating 
steam, about seven tons of coal daily. From this apartment a 
passage leads into the engine room, which is in the main build- 
ing. The engine is two hundred horse power, with a five feet 
stroke, driving a fly-wheel twenty feet in diameter. Adjoining- 
are two rooms occupied by mechanics of various trades, who 
make the necessary repairs to the machinery, &c. Communi- 
cating with these is the carding room, which is one hundred 
and thirty feet long, and the entire width of the building, 
where the cotton is prepared for spinning. The picking room 
is in the wing at the western extremity of this chamber, and 
was the scene of a disastrous conflagration in the winter of 
1854-5, caused, it was thought, by a spark of fire emitted from 
some flinty or metalie particle concealed in the cotton when 
passing through the machinery. Fortunately, the apartment was 
separated from the carding room in the main building by a 
massive brick wall and a ponderous iron door, which confined 
the flames to the wing, and thus, perhaps, saved the entire es- 
tablishment from destruction. The wing itself sustained but 
little injury by the fire, owing to the activity of the firemen, 
but the machinery and stock of cotton it contained were almost 
totally destroyed. 

In the basement of the picking room is what is termed the 
^' willey room," where the cotton in bales is received. Here 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG, 253 

are machines which operate on the raw cotton, opening its deli- 
cate fibres, and carrying it by air through a trough to the cham- 
ber above. The draught of air is obtained by a fan making 
about eight hundred revolutions per minute. In the picking 
room the cotton is made into laps, and prepared for the cards. 
A flue is connected with each picking machine for removing the 
dust, the draught for which is produced by a fan making fifteen 
hundred revolutions per minute. 

The second story of the building is devoted exclusively to 
the weaving room, and contains three hundred looms of the 
most approved construction. 

The spinning room occupies the third story, and contains 
eight thousand and sixty-four spindles. One side is devoted to 
warp spinning and the other to filling. There are here twelve 
machines on which are wound a certain number of threads 
pieced together to the length of about four hundred yards. 

The dressing room is on the fourth story, where the sizing is 
performed. The beams of the warping machines, filled with 
the thread cotton, are made to pass between rollers which re- 
volve in copper troughs containing sizing. After which they are 
made to pass over copper cylinders, which, revolving slowly, and 
filled with steam, dry the sizing, and render the yarn fit for 
weaving. 

In the fiscal year 1854, the company manufactured and sent 
to market two and half millions of yards of doth, using in the 
manufacture thereof about three thousand bales of cotton. In 
the same year, three hundred and fifty persons were employed 
in the mill, two hundred and thirteen of whom were females. 

Owing to the depressed condition of trade and business gen- 
erally throughout the country, caused by the financial crisis of 
1857, the mill suspended operations in the fall of the year, and 
did not resume the same until the 28th of December, 1858. 



254 ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 



Brant's City Hall. — This building was erected ia 1856 
by John H. Brant, Esq., a wealthy citizen of the borough. It 
is intended for a hotel and restaurant on the European plan, 
with commodious rooms for a theatre, concerts, public lectures, 
&c At the term of Court in April, 1858, the building was 
regularly licensed as a hotel, and will be occupied as such in 
1859. 

The hall adjoins the Court House, with a front of fifty-two feet 
on Market street, and a depth of one hundred and eighty feet. 
It is built of brick, four stories high ; the first story of which 
is eighteen feet, the second twenty-two feet, the third fourteen 
feet, and the fourth twelve feet. An observatory surmounts the 
roof of the building, the top of which is one hundred feet from 
the pavement, and affords a fine view of the town and surround- 
ing country. 

The front of the building is of novel design and construction, 
being composed of open vestibules, with colouades of brick 
pillars painted in imitation of marble, on each story. These 
vestibules are twenty-five feet deep, and run the entire width of 
the building. The first is attained by a flight of marble steps 
from the pavement, and the others by stair-cases rising at 
each and leading to the centre of the next. The floor of the 
first is tesselated with small octagonal shaped yellow and black 
tiles. The main building is entered on each of the stories from 
the vestibules by large double doors in the centre, and smaller 
doors at each end. The walls of the first story are twenty-two 
inches thick, and those of the upper stories eighteen inches. 

The building contains two rooms, which, including the vesti- 
bules, are one hundred and twenty feet long, and fifty-two feet 
wide; two rooms fifty feet square, and two twenty-two by fifty 
feet, besides a number of smaller size in the rear part of the 
building, intended for family use. 

The room devoted to theatrical purposes contains a commo- 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 255 

dious stage, with, a great variety of handsome scenery, and in 
fact all the other appoiotnients of a first class theatre. It will 
seat comfortably an audience of about eight hundred persons 
It was inaugurated in the winter of 1856-7, by a theatrical 
company from Philadelphia, under the management of Mr. Thos. 
J. Worrel. 

The basement of the building is partitioned off into apart- 
ments, and intended for a restaurant. 



The Masonic Hall, (Exchange.)— The Masonic Hall, 
more commonly called the Exchange, situated in Walnut street, 
between Third street and Rasberry alley, was erected in 1827 
by Samuel Holman, Esq , architect, for Perseverance Lodge, 
No. 21, A. Y. M., of Harrisburg, which body occupied it for 
several years, when, owing to financial troubles, it was seized 
and sold by the Sheriff, to satisfy the claims of creditors. 

It is a brick edifice, partially in the Ilomanesque style, two 
stories high, with an attic, basement, and capacious cellar; the 
whole occupying a space of about seventy-five feet front, and a 
depth of about forty-four feet. The eve of the roof in front is 
surmounted with wooden railing and a central entablature, from 
which rise pointed turrets, all constructed of the same mate- 
rial. 

Open vestibules, fifteen feet long by nine feet wide, occur in 
front on the first and second stories. The main entrance to the 
building is attained through the one on the first story by means 
of a flight ' f granite steps, with iron railing, rising from the 
pavement It is paved with brick, and surmounted with an 
irregular arch of fancy wood work. That on the second story 
has a railing and colonade surmounted with small arches, like- 
wise of wood. The interior of the building contains a number 
of capacious rooms, one of which, on tlie second story, is used 
at present as an Odd Fellows' Lodge. When owned by the iMa 



256 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

sons, the entire building, excepting the basement, was devoted 
to the purposes of that society. The structure has a very plea- 
sing appearance, and is much admired by strangers visiting the 
borough. It is owned at present by Michael Burke, Esq. 



The Pennsylvania Railroad Depot. — This extensive 
building stands on the west bank of the Pennsylvania canal, be- 
tween Market and Chestnut streets, and is owned by the Har- 
risbuvg and Lancaster railroad company, but is leased and occu- 
pied by the Pennsylvania railroad company. 

A premium of §200 was awarded for the plan of the struc- 
ture to Joseph C. Hoxie, Esq , architect, of Philadelphia, who, 
with Stephen D. M'Calla, of Ilarrisburg, subsequently contracted 
to build it for the sum of ^46,713. 

The architectural style of the building is Italian. It is four 
hundred feet in length by one hundred and three feet in width, 
exclusive of projections, the latter making the front one hun- 
dred and twenty-two feet. The side walls are twenty-two feet, 
and the end walls thirty-four feet high, except the two-story 
projections, which are forty-six feet high from the railroad track. 
The building is surmounted with two towers ; that on the front 
is seventy-two feet, and that on the side sixty-four feet high. 
The ends of the structure have a very picturesque appearance. 

The walls are of stone and brick. The roof is constructed 
with the patent truss, and covered with galvanized iron. 

The building contains a dining saloon calculated to seat from 
two hundred and fifty to three hundred persons j ladies' and gen- 
tlemens' receptions rooms; water closets; anda niTmber of office?, 
including one for the magnetic telegraph owned by the com- 
pany. 

The structure was completed in 1857, at a cost of S58,266 20, 
being Sll,54o 20 over the contract price. The first train of 
cars passed through it on the 1st of August, 1857. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 257 

Lebanon Valley Kailroad Depot. — A depot for the Leb- 
anon Valley railroad is now in course of erection on the western 
side of Market street, between the canal and Canal street. It 
will be of frame, nineteen feet high in the clear, ninety feet 
wide, and three hundred feet long, fronting on Canal street. 
The roof will be arched, and constructed after Howe's patent, 
which combines strength and beauty. It will contain three rail- 
road tracks, and be lighted by upwards of forty windows. The 
main passenger entrance will be upon Canal street, and fronting 
on that thoroughfare will be a ticket ofl&ce, ladies' room, gentle- 
mens' room, baggage apartment, and all the essentials of a first 
class depot. 



Harrisburg Cemetery. — For the following facts relative 
to the first organization of the Harrisburg Cemetery company, 
the compiler is indebted to a report published by the Managers 
in September, 1845 : 

''In the autumn of 1843 the following paper was drafted by 
Henry Buehler, Esq., and presented to the gentlemen who have 
subscribed the same in the order of their signatures. After a 
number of meetings on the subject, James M'Cormick, Esq., 
consented to be considered as one of the original subscribers, 
and is named in the law incorporating the association, although 
his signature is not afiixed to the subjoined : 

We,, the undersigned, hereby agree (provided ten responsible 
persons join in the proposition,) to purchase and enclose from 
ten to fifteen acres of laud, in the vicinity of the borough of 
Harrisburg, for the purpose of establishing a public cemetery ; 
the location, price, &c., to be approved of by a majority of the 
ten. After the incorporation of a company for the purpose, we 
will agree to convey to the constituted authorities thereof, the 
said land, with the provision that it be laid oif into suitable 

33 



258 ANNALS OP HARKISBURG. 

burial lots, both for congregations and for individual families ; 
and that a title be made to each of tlio ten persons hereby as- 
sociated, for one family burial lot, free of any expense,* the 
choice thereof to be made prior to any sales, and to be made in 
the order of the signatures hereto; and also, that the remainder 
of the lots be sold, from time to time, to such persons as may 
desire to purchase. The original cost, with interest, to be paid 
to the ten purchasers out of the proceeds of the first sales, and 
that the proceeds of all sales thereafter, in all time to come, be 
applied exclusively to the improvement of the cemetery grounds, 
or roads leading thereto Witness our hands and seals at Har- 
risburg, the 16th day of October, 1843. 

HENRY WALTERS, HAMILTON ALRICKS, 

JOHN ROBERTS, JAMES PEACOCK, 

HENRY BUEHLER, VALENTINE HUMMEL, 

HERMAN ALRICKS, JOHN C. BUCHER, 

LUTHER REILY, WILLIAM DOCK." 

At a meeting of the above named gentlemen, held October 
oO, 1843, a committee, consisting of John Roberts, Dr. Luther 
Reily, Valentine Hummel and Hamilton Alricks, was ap- 
pointed for the purpose of ascertaining locations suitable for the 
purposes of a cemetery, and the prices at which the land could 
be obtained. This committee viewed and reported favorable to 
two pieces of ground, one on the hill of Mr. Allison, and the 
other being parts of the lands of Henry Herr, John Scales and 
John P. Shoop ; whereupon, it was directed to make drafts or 
plots of the grounds necessary for the contemplated cemetery, 
including the dell on the line of Herr and Scales property, show- 

*This provision was subsequently' abandoned by the members of the 
corporation, who are the persons above named, and each member con- 
sented to pay for the lot selected for himself, in the same manner, and 
on the same terms, that strangers were required to pay, reserving only 
to themselves the right of selection before sale, in the order in which 
their names appear above. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 259 

ing the quantity of lands desired from each, and also a plot of 
the Allison property. 

These plots were accordingly made and exhibited to the asso- 
ciation, which selected the plot of ground including the lands 
of Messrs. Herr, Scales and Shoop ; and a committee consisting 
of Dr. Riley, Judge Bucher and Hamilton Alricks was appointed 
to contract, on the best terms possible, with those gentlemen, 
for the ground contained in the aforesaid plot. 

While this committee, however, were negotiating for the pur- 
chase of the ground, a road was laid out through a part of it 
by an order of the Court of Quarter Sessions, which induced 
an alteration in the views of the Association, and the committee 
was directed to purchase the ground for the cemetery of Henry 
Herr alone, which was done accordingly on the 27th of Feb- 
ruary, 1844. This ground was subsequently enlarged by an- 
other purchase from Mr. Herr, and the grant of about half an 
acre from Mr. Sales. 

The company were incorporated under the name, style and 
title of the " Harrisburg Cemetery Association,'^ by an act of 
Assembly passed the 14th of February, 1845, and organized by 
appointing Henry Walters, President, and John Roberts, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer. 

The Association proceeded at once to improve the grounds 
by laying it off into lots and avenues, and surrounding the whole 
with a substantial picket fence, with the necessary gateways, 
and on the 30th day of September, 1845, in the presence of a 
large concourse of people, the cemetery was duly dedicated to 
its purposes. Rev. John F. Mesick made the opening prayer, 
and the Rev. George M'Cartney the closing prayer. The dedi- 
cating address was delivered by Rev. ^Villiam R. De Witt. 

On the first day of October, 1845, Gen. James Steel was 
buried in lot No. 35, section F, aged eighty-two years — his be- 
ing the first interment in the cemetery; and on the 23rd of 
same month, an infant of William H. Kepner was buried in lot 



260 ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 

No. 44, of same section, being the second interment. Thus in 
these first two burials the two extremes of life were embraced. 

Since the period of these interments many additional ones 
have been made, and the grounds tastefully ornamented with a 
profusion of shrubbery and " monumental marble." 

The residence of the Keeper's family is at the east end of 
the Cemetery. Its style is Gothic, two stories high, built of 
brick, painted and cost $2,200. 

We append a list of the officers of the Association for the 
year 1858. 

A. K. Fahnestock, President and Treasurer; John Roberts, 
Secretary and Superintendent; D. W. Gross, Dr. John Fager, 
Hamilton Alricks and William Colder, Jr., Managers; Wm. 
Putt, Keeper. 



The State Lunatic Hospital. — The following description 
of this extensive establishment is derived principally from the 
several reports made by the trustees and superintendent to the 
Legislature : 

The establishment of an hospital for the relief of the insane 
poor of the State claimed the attention of the philanthropic and 
benevolent at an early day. The first movement on the subject 
was made by the philanthropic citizens of Philadelphia, who 
held several public meetings, and adopted a memorial, which 
was numerously signed and presented to the Legislature at the 
sessions of 1838-9. This memorial, with others from different 
counties, was referred to a committee of five members of the 
House of Representatives, of which Hon. Joseph Konigmacher 
was chairman. 

This committee presented a report embodying a large amount 
of information relative to the condition of the insane throughout 
the State ; and a bill authorizing the erection of a State Lunatic 
Asylum, was prepared and passed both Houses, but did not re- 
ceive the sanction of the Governor. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 261 

Subsequently an act was passed Marcli 4th, 1841, autho- 
rizing the Governor to appoint three commissioners, upon whom 
was devolved the duty of selecting a site, and superintending 
the erection of a suitable building. 

The spot selected was on the river Schuylkill, about two miles 
from Gray's Ferry, below Philadelphia, and preparations had 
been made for commencing the erection when their operations 
were suspended. 

But the subject was not permitted to rest, and was still kept 
before the public attention until, in the year 1844, Miss D. L. 
Dix, in the prosecution of the benevolent work in which she 
had been so long, zealously, and untiringly engaged, having 
visited and examined the alms-houses and jails throughout the 
State, presented to the Legislature a memorial, setting forth 
the condition of the insane throughout the State, and earnestly 
urging upon them the necessity and the duty of providing some 
means for their treatment and proper maintenance. 

Acting in accordance with the suggestions thus made, the 
Legislature, in the spring of 1845, appointed Jacob M. Halde- 
man, Luther Reily, Hugh Campbell, Charles B. Trego, Joseph 
Konigmacher, commissioners, for the erection of an hospital, to 
to be located within two miles of the borough of Harrisburg. 

The commissioners thus appointed not feeling themselves 
authorized to enter on the duties of their appointment until 
further action of the Legislature, a supplementary act was passed 
in the spring of 1848, appointing three additional commissioners, 
Aaron Bombaugh, John A. Weir, and James Fox, and so modi- 
fying the original act that they were willing to enter on the 
duties assigned them. 

A farm of one hundred and thirty acres was purchased about 
a mile and a half north of Harrisburg, and the work was com- 
menced in the summer of 1848, according to a plan furnished 
by John Haviland, architect, of Philadelphia, to whom also 
the contract for the erection of the building was given. 



262 • ANNALS OV HARRISBURG. 

The corner-stone of the Hospital was laid by Gov. Johnston 
on the 7th of April, 1849, and the building was delivered by 
the architect and contractor to the commissioners on the 19th 
of June, 1851. 

No suitable accommodations having been provided, in the 
building thus erected, for the most violent and noisy class of 
patients, it was deemed advisable to erect such as early as prac- 
ticable, and a contract was made with Messrs. Holman & Simon, 
of Harrisburg, for the erection of these additional buildings. 
The work on these was commenced early in the summer, and 
completed at an early day. 

The Hospital building consists of a centre building and wings 
extending in a linear direction on each side; each wing is so 
arranged that the second projection recedes twenty feet behind 
the first, and the third the same distance behind the second, so 
that the second and third projections of the wings on each side 
of the centre building are open at both ends, which renders 
them light and cheerful, and insures, at all times, a free natural 
ventilation. 

The centre building is of three stories above the basement or 
ground floor, has a large Tuscan portico with a flight of twenty 
steps to the main entrance, and is surmounted by a large dome, 
from which a very extensive view of the surrounding country 
is obtained. 

Along the northern line of the landscape, in its whole length, 
extend the Blue Mountains at a distance of flve miles, and al- 
most directly north from the Hospital is the opening through 
which the Susquehanna river forces its wslj ; and spanning the 
river at this point is the large bridge of the Pennsylvania rail- 
road company, forming a very prominent and beautiful feature 
in the view, while beyond it, and reposing as it were at the foot 
of the mountain, is the village of Dauphin. 

The Susquehanna river is in full view, from the point where 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 263 

it appears to break its way through the mountains, until it is 
hidden by the hills below Harrisburg. 

To the south-west is Harrisburg, the whole of which, with the 
State Capitol, the cotton factory, the reservoir of the water- 
works, and the bridges across the Susquehanna, is distinctly 
seen. 

The prospect is bounded on all sides by hills and mountains, 
and embraces parts of the counties of Dauphin, Perry, Cumber- 
land, York, Adams, Lancaster and Lebanon. 

The Pennsylvania railroad and the Pennsylvania canal pass 
along the front line of the Hospital, at the distance of a quarter 
of a mile, and the passage of the cars on the former, and of the 
boats on the latter, forms an agreeable and diversifying feature. 

In the basement of the centre building, which is raised three 
steps above the ground, are, on one side of the entrance hall, 
the apartments for the steward ; and on the other, those for the 
matron ; and in the rear, and separated by a hall at right angles 
to the hall of entrance, are the kitchens, one for each side of 
the house. 

On the main floors are the parlors for visitors, one on each 
side of the hall of entrance ; and in the rear, and separated 
from them by a cross hall, are the steward's office, and the as- 
sistant physician's room, with the shop or medical office between 
them. 

In the second story are the apartments of the superintendent, 
and in the third is the chapel, occupying the front half of the 
building, and in the rear of it a number of rooms designed for 
chambers. 

In the attic are the tanks for the supply of water to the Hos- 
pital, three in number, and each holding about three thousand 
gallons of water. The water is thrown into these tanks by 
steam power, and is distributed from them to all parts of the 
Hospital. 

The wings immediately adjoining the centre on either side are 



264 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

of three stories, including the basement. In the basement are 
the accommodations for those employed in the kitchens and the 
other domestic arrangements of the house, and also for those 
engaged in out-door duties. 

The two other stories have wards for the patients, and in each 
ward arCj on one side of the hall, which is ten feet wide, a dor- 
mitory for six or eight beds, six single dormitories, an attend- 
ant's room immediately adjoining the dormitory, and a parlor; 
on the other side are the dining room, with a large closet at- 
tached, a clothing room, a bath room and water closet, and four 
rooms of larger size than the single rooms on the other side of 
the hall. On each side of the hall are stairways, one at each 
end of the ward, which are of iron, and lead to the ground 
floor, so as to admit of free communication with either ward 
without disturbance of the other. The food is sent up to these 
wards directly from the kitchen by means of a dumb-waiter; 
and a speaking tube, and a bell communicating from the dining- 
room to the kitchen obviates the necessity of the attendants 
leaving the ward for any purpose. 

The second projections of each wing are of three stories, with 
wards on each story. 

On one side of the hall are ten single dormitories and a large 
parlor, and on the other side are the associated dormitory, with 
an attendants' room immediately adjoining, a bath room and 
water closet, a clothing room, one large room, and the dining 
room. 

At the point of junction of these two projections, the first 
and second, and raised a story above them, is the infirmary on 
each side, consisting of one large airy room, calculated for ten 
or twelve beds, with an attandants' room immediately adjoining, 
and five other rooms, exclusive of a bath-room and water closet. 

The third projection of each wing, intended for the most 
violent and noisy of each sex, is of two stories. These wards 
are arranged on the same general plan with the other wards, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 265 

except that at the extreme end of each building, and in both 
stories are short halls, on either side of the main hall, with two 
rooms in each, designed for the most noisy of each sex. Each 
of these wards has accommodations for fourteen patients and 
their attendants, and in each ward a bath-room and water closet. 

In all the windows in the wings, the upper sash is of cast 
iron, glazed and stationary, and the lower sash is wooden, and 
made to raise, with a wrought iron guard opposite to it. 

In the rear of the centre building, at the distance of eighty 
feet, is the building for the bake-house, the wash-house and 
ironing-room, &c. In the cellar, which is excavated thirteen 
feet, are placed the boilers for generating the steam for warming 
the Hospital, a boiler for generating steam for a steam engine, 
for heating the water for bathing and for cooking, with sufficient 
room for the storage, of one hundred and fifty tons of coal. 

On the ground floor, nearest the centre building, is the bake- 
house, with a large perpetual oven ; and the other part of same 
floor, and separated from the bake-house by a brick partition, is 
the wash-house. In the wash-house is a small steam engine of 
eight horse power, which is designed to drive a steam pump and 
also all the machinery of the wash-house. 

The washing apparatus consists of a large set of fulling stocks, 
a large steaming tub, a large rinsing wheel, a large wringing 
machine and frames on which to hang the clothes to be dried. 
On the floor of the drying room are laid a number of steam 
pipes, through which the exhaust steam from the engine passes 
and imparts to the room the necessary degree of heat. The 
clothes, after being washed and dried, are raised by means of a 
dumb waiter into the ironing-room in the second story. The 
heavier articles are ironed by being passed between two highly 
polished cast iron cylinders, heated by steam and made to re- 
volve by means of a belt connected with the machinery below. 

In the attic of this building are four iron tanks, holding col- 
lectively twenty-two thousand gallons of water, raised into them 

34 



266 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

by the steam pump, which, derives its supply from a large eight 
inch cast iron pipe by means of which the water is conducted 
from the creek to the reservoir of the large hydraulic ram sup- 
plying the tanks in the main building. 

The Hospital is heated throughout by steam generated in 
two cylinder boilers, each forty feet long and forty inches in 
diameter. The steam generated in these is conveyed by an 
eight inch cast iron pipe through an archway connecting the 
two buildings, into the hot air chambers, situated under the 
whole length of the Hospital building. At the distance of one 
hundred and twenty feet from the boilers, the main steam pipe 
branches, one branch leading to the north, and the other to the 
south wing of the building. 

From these branches, at distances of sixteen and twenty-four 
feet, the steam is conveyed into a series of three-quarter inch 
wrought iron pipe, called a radiator, and after passing through 
all the length of the pipe composing a radiator, varying from 
five hundred to seven hundred feet, according to the size of the 
radiator, it is conveyed into a four inch cast iron pipe laid along 
the floor of the hot air chamber, and by this pipe returned to 
the boilers. 

By this arrangement the steam is difi'used through sixteen 
thousand feet of pipe, and the temperature of the hot air cham- 
bers is maintained at varying elevations and inversely to the 
temperature of the external atmosphere. The temperature of 
the wards can thus be maintained between 60° to 70° F. even 
in the coldest weather, and during the prevalence of very high 
north-west winds, to which, from its elevated position, the Hos- 
pital is particularly exposed, and which sweep with great force 
along the whole front of the building. 

The heating apparatus and the laundry arrangements were 
arranged with great care and attention by Messrs. Birkinbine & 
Trotter, of Philadelphia, who have executed their work in a 
highly creditable manner. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 267 

The Hospital is lighted with gas brought from the works of 
the Harrisburg gas company. 

The above description comprehended the arrangements of the 
establishment in the first year of its existence. Since that time, 
however, various additions and improvements, suggested by time 
and experience, have been made. 

Buildings for museums and reading rooms were erected in 
1854. They are built of brick, cemented on the outside, and 
are forty-two feet long by twenty-five feet wide, and fifteen feet 
six inches to the square. A portico runs nearly the whole length 
of the front, from which a very pleasant view is obtained of the 
landscape in front. The roof is of tin, and the centre is raised 
into an ornamental structure, so as to afibrd the means of giving 
abundant light to the interior. The buildings are heated by a 
hot-air furnace placed in the cellar. Being designed as orna- 
ments to the grounds, as well as for objects of interest and amuse- 
ment to the patients by the curiosities, &c., to be placed in them, 
they have been made as handsome and ornamental as compati- 
ble with their design and the amount of funds at command. 
They are placed one on either side of the front of the building, 
easily accessible from the wards of the sex for which they are 
intended. One of these buildings contain the State geological 
cabinet. 

A prominent imperfection of the first arrangements was the 
very inefficient supply of water for cooking, baths, water closets 
and other domestic purposes, but especially as a means of extin- 
guishing fire, should such a terrible calamity at any time befal 
the institution. The first mode employed was a very large hy- 
draulic ram, but which, with its connections, was soon shown to 
be entirely inadequate, although it had answered a good purpose 
during the progress of the building. To remedy this defect, a 
pump was placed near the creek, and by means of a very long 
piston rod, worked by the steam engine in the wash-house, was 
made to raise one thousand gallons per hour, and which, by being 



268 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

kept constantly in operation, furnislied enough for the ordinary 
purposes of the institution, but none for any extraordinary emer- 
gency, nor the slightest protection in case of fire. Under these 
circumstances, plans were prepared for permanent works of such 
a character that an abundant supply might be relied on at all 
times. These works are placed in the ravine to the south-east 
of the Hospital buildings, and so situated as to receive the water 
from two constant streams. The dam or basin is of a pyriform 
shape, and capable of containing about four hundred thousand 
gallons of water. 

From the imperfect practical acquaintance with the very im- 
portant subject of heating and ventilation possessed by the arch- 
itect, many serious errors were committed in the original arrange- 
ments of the building, which have since been properly reme- 
died. 

The police of the establishment is mild and parental. The 
patients are well fed and clothed, and allowed ample opportuni- 
ties for healthful exercise. 

Keligious services are regularly maintained on the Sabbath 
during the entire year. Evening prayers are also regularly 
kept up during the year, to which all who feel inclined are in- 
vited to come. Attendance on these religious exercises is at 
all times voluntary, and many patients attend regularly, and are 
gratified and benefited by them. 

The Hospital contains various implements for the amusement 
of the patients, such as musical instruments, violins and flutes, 
two polyoramas, a large dioptric magic lantern with a number of 
slides, a small magic lantern to be used in the wards, kaleido- 
scopes, backgammon boards, and a number of other games, a 
large number of books, engravings, and two large walnut book- 
cases, each capable of containing two hundred and fifty volumes, 
and two globes. 

The garden of the establishment is extensive, and provides 
the vegetables for the table, and a large surplus which is sold 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 269 

annually. The grounds fronting tlie building liave been beau- 
tifully laid out; and are in an advanced state of embellishment. 

The capacity of the present Hospital is for three hundred pa- 
tients, one hundred and fifty of each sex; and this number is 
now regarded by the best authorities as quite as large as should 
ever be collected in one building. 

The number of patients admitted during the year 1857 was 
143 — males, 76; females, 67. 

The number discharged during the year was 126 — males, 76 ; 
females, 50 — leaving in the Hospital, on December 31, 1857, 
250 patients; of whom 130 were males, and 120 were females. 

Of those discharged, the number of restored was 25 ; im- 
proved, 82; stationary, 44; died, 25. 

Adding these results to the tables of previous years, we have 
the following table : 

Restored, . . . , . 
Improved, ..... 
Stationary, . , . . . 
Died, 

393 255 648 

The receipts of the Hospital for the year'1857 was ^66,073 65, 
and the expenditures 164,321 98, leaving a balance of $1,751 67 
in its treasury. 

We subjoin a list of the ofiicers of the Hospital in 1858 : 

Board of Trustees — Thomas S. Kirkbride, M. D., Frederick 
Watts, A. G. Waterman, A. J. Jones, A. 0. Hiester, Hamilton 
Alricks, George Dock, M. D., George W. Porter, M. D., John 
L. Atlee, M. D. 

John Curwen, M. D., Superintendent and Physician; Wil- 
liam R. DeWitt, M. D., and S. S. Schultz, M. D., Assistant 
Physicians; Joel Hinckley, Steward; Mary Ann Wilt, Matron; 
John A- Weir, Treasurer, Harrisburg. 



Males. 


Females. 


Total. 


79 


59 


138 


92 


62 


154 


137 


86 


223 


85 


48 


133 



270 ■ ANNALS OF HARKISBURG. 

South Ward Public School House. — This elegant struc- 
ture was erected in 1858, on the site previously occupied by 
the old Bethel Church, in Mulberry street, between Front and 
Second streets. It is two stories high, sixty-four feet long and 
fifty-four feet wide, and contains on each story a vestibule eight 
feet wide, two school rooms, each twenty-five feet wide by fifty 
feet long, and two recitation rooms, each ten by twelve feet, 
besides a small room, also ten by twelve feet, in the middle of 
the second story vestibule for the accommodation of the school 
directors. There are also two closets in each of the school 
rooms, designed as receptacles for the hats of the pupils during 
school hours. The base of the walls in every room are covered 
to the heighth of three feet with pine wainscotting, to protect 
the plastering from the mischievous hands and feet of the 
scholars. A capacious and well ventilated cellar occupies the 
entire base of the building. From the eaves of the roof of 
the main building to the pavement is thirty-seven feet, and from 
the apex of the central pediment in front, about forty-four feet. 
A handsome square cupola of wood, twenty-two feet high, sur- 
mounts the forward part of the structure. The front stands 
back from the line of the street a distance of about twenty feet, 
and the space thus made vacant, is paved and enclosed with a 
neat and substantial iron railing. There are three entrances to 
the building — the principal one in front, and one at each of the 
sides, at the front end. The former is attained by a flight 
of granite steps. There are inserted in the bricks of the front 
end two small marble slabs — one at the eastern corner, on which 
are engraved the figures " 1858," and one above the arch of 
the^ centre door, containing the names of the then Board of 
School Directors, and the architect and builder. The architect 
of the building was Mr. Luther Simon, and its builder Mr. 
Peter Bernheisel. The brick work was laid by Messrs. Curzen 
& Cleckner, all of whom deserve much credit for the manner in 
which they performed their respective duties. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 271 

THE CHURCHES OF HARRISBURG. 

German Reformed Salem Church. — Previous to the 
erection of any regular church building in the borough, the 
citizens occasionally worshiped in a small one story log school 
house, which stood at the foot of Capitol Hill, at the corner of 
Third and Walnut streets. The community at that early day 
being made up of all denominations, the original subscription 
paper for "the first church," read for the *'use of the sub- 
scribers," and long after the erection of the house, clergymen 
of different denominations ofiiciated in it, by permission, as op- 
portunity occurred. The undertaking was, however, by those 
who professed the doctrines of Ulric Zwingli and Martin Lu- 
ther; and the church was owned and occupied statedlj'', only 
by the German Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran congrega- 
tions, and was erected on a lot given by John Harris* to them 
for that purpose, situated at the corner of Chesnut and Third 
streets, extending two hundred and ten feet on the latter street 
to Cherry alley. The " first church " stood until the year 
1854, at the corner of Third street and Cherry alley. It was 
built of logs, subsequently weather-boarded, two stories high, 
with a front of thirty-five feet five inches, and a depth of thirty 
feet five inches. The original subscription for the erection of 
this church, reads as follows : 

" We, the subscribers, do each of us promise to pay, or cause 
to be paid, unto John Norton, Christian Gunckel, George Redig 
and Henry Bruner, or their order, on demand, the sum annexed 
to each of cur names, respectively, to be held and appropriated 
by the said John Norton, Christian Gunckel, George Redig and 
Henry Bruner, in purchasing materials for, and in building a 

*After the death of Mr. Harris, his heirs released, for five shillings, 
all their right and title to the lot, to the trustees of the Reformed and 
Lutheran churches, as will appear from the record in the Recorder's 
office. 



272 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Churcli and School House, in some convenient part of tlie town 
of Harrisburg, for the use of the subscribers. In witness 
whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, with the sums an- 
nexed, this 12th day of March, Anno Domini, 1787," 

[Here follow the names of persons whose subscriptions ranged 
from £2 to 1 shilling.] 

From the first church book in possession of the German Re- 
formed Church, it appears that the first pastor of the said church 
was Rev. A. Hautz, and that Rev. T. D. Schaefi"er, who then 
resided in or near Carlisle, preached statedly for the Lutheran 
coDgregation of Harrisburg. The first date in the book alluded 
to is October 18, 1788, and is in the handwriting of Rev. T. 
D. Schaeffer ; and the entries on the second page are evidently 
in the handwriting of Rev. A. Hautz. Both congregations ap- 
pear to have been united in their temporal affairs, and all church 
regulations from the year 1787 to 1795. Rev. A. Hautz was 
the first stationed pastor of the German Reformed Church, and 
the first resident pastor settled in Harrisburg. They chose by 
mutual agreement their own church officers, as appears by the 
first record of an election held September 12, 1790, which is 
as follows : 

German Reformed. — George Hoyer, Henry Bruner, Trus- 
tees; Jacob Zollinger, George Hatz, Elders; Jacob Staely, 
Jacob Welschans, Deac'ons. 

Lutheran, — John Dentzel, George Rettig, Trustees; Chris- 
tian Kunckel, John Hacker, Elders ; Michael Von Keuen, John 
Ebert, Deacon. 

The elections of 1792 and 1793, are also recorded. The 
next congregational entry in the church book is in 1795, and is 
as follows : 

" Im Jahr 1795, wurden die zwey Gemeinden in Harrisburg, 
naemlich die Reformirt und Lutherisch von einander Seharirt, 
und waehlten auf Reformirter Seite zum Kirchenrath. 

Trustees — George Hoyer, Henrich Brunner ; Aeltesten — Ja- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 273 

cob Shultz, Simon Sclineider; Yorsteher — Henry Liphart, Jo- 
hannes PfeifFer." 

The fact of the separation of the two churches in 1795 is 
further established by the Lutheran church book, which com- 
mences in the year 1795 — the first entries in which, are made 
by Rev. Henry Mueller, who had then settled in Harrisburg, 
as the first stationed pastor of the Lutheran church. 

The two congregations, however, still continued to worship 
in the same building until 1814, when the Lutherans purchased 
ground in Fourth street, between Market and Chesnut streets, 
and .erected a handsome brick church and school house ad- 
joining. 

In 1795 the ''old church" was wainscotted, and sundry re- 
pairs made ; and in 1804 the vestries of the churches did much 
to render the building comfortable ; a pulpit was erected and 
galleries put up on three sides; the sides were plastered, and 
the exterior weather-boarded and painted white. These im- 
provements were finished in 1805. 

On the 28th of March, 1812, Rev. Philip Glonninger, Geo. 
Hoyer, Frederick Kelker, Nicholas Ott and Frederick Boas, 
purchased a lot adjoining the old church property from Joseph 
Allen, for $1,400, for the exclusive use of the German Re- 
formed Church. On the 13th of July, 1813, the Lutherans 
formally proposed a division of the church property, upon cer- 
tain conditions, to which, however, their Reformed brethren 
would not agree. 

On June 17, 1815, a second proposition was made by the 
Lutherans, that the German Reformed church should purchase 
an undivided half of the new Lutheran church, in Fourth 
street. This occasioned considerable discussion, but the ma- 
jority of the Reformed disapproved the measure; and the result 
was, that on the first of April, 1816, the German .Reformed 
congregation purchased for $1,000, the whole interest of the 
Lutherans in the old church lot, corner of Third and Chesnut 

35 



274 ANNALS OP HARRISBUBG. 

streets, and buildings thereon erected. On the 3d of July, 
1818, the Grerman Reformed congregation became a body cor- 
porate, under the title of " The German Reformed Salem Church 
of Harrisburg." The following are the signers to the articles 
of incorporation : 

Vestry. — Christian Schaeffer, John Zinn, Trustees; George 
Witherholt, John Kelker, Elders; John Horter, John S. 
Weistling, George Kunkel, Jacob IJise, Deacons; M. Rahm, 
A. Dorsheimer, George Hoyer, Henry George, Jacob Mish, 
Jacob Cunkle, Jacob Hoyer, Jacob Bucher, George Snyder, 
Frederick Beisel, Joseph Doll, John Fleming, Henry Fry, 
Henry Welshover, Jacob Balsley, Frederick Kelker, David S. 
Forney, Jacob Steinman, Jacob Greenawalt, Peter Bachman, 
Jacob Kunkle, Samuel C. Weistling, Jr., Samuel Swartz, Con- 
rad Knepley, Michael Derstein, Nicholas Ott, John Horn, Da- 
vid Beisel, Peter Snyder, Daniel Snyder, John A. Stehley, 
Members. 

On the 15th of January, 1821, a meeting of the members 
was held in the old church, at which Frederick Kelker presided, 
and John S. Weistling acted as secretary, at which it was resolved 
to erect a new church of suitable dimensions, to front on Ches- 
nut street. The following persons were appointed to collect 
subscriptions for the purpose : 

Jacob Bucher, John Kelker, John Zinn, John S. Weistling, 
Rev. John Winebrenuer, John Horter, Frederick Kelker, and 
Conrad Knepley. Three weeks afterwards, viz : February 5, 
1821, the committee reported six thousand and six dollais in 
cash and subscription, and the vestry were requested to con- 
tract for the erection of a new church. 

On the 8th of March, 1821, the vestry, by their building 
committee, Jacob Bucher, John Kelker and John Zinn, con- 
tracted with Messrs. Samuel Pool and Henry V. Wilson, for 
the erection of a brick church, sixty feet front and seventy-five 
feet deep, to be surmounted with a tower one hundred and ten 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 275 

feet to the top of tlie wood work, all to be completed by July 
1st, 1822, for the sum of $8,000. 

To carry the plan into execution, the old log school house 
and the brick house, both of which stood on the church lots, 
were torn down. 

The church building was immediately commenced, and car- 
ried on with dispatch. The corner-stone was laid on June 11, 

1821, with appropriate ceremonies. On the 21st of June, 

1822, the bell, weighing six hundred and sixty-seven pounds, 
which had been procured in London, at an expense of three 
hundred and forty-six dollars and fifty-six and a half cents, was 
taken to the church and placed in the tower. The following 
inscriptions are upon it : '^ T. Mears, of London, February, 
1822.'' "May all whom I may summon to the grave, the 
blessings of a well spent life receive.'" The church was finished 
August 1, 1822, and on the fourth day of the same month, 
dedicated to Jelwvali. The total cost of the church per settle- 
ment made Feb. 15, 1823, was $8,537 54, exclusive of bell. 

No repairs or additions were made to the church property of 
any importance until 1827, when the "old church" in Third 
street was altered, by extending an upper floor from the eastern 
to the western gallery, thus converting the interior into two 
large rooms. The upper one was used for a long time by the 
sabbath school, and the lower as a day school. They were sub- 
sequently both occupied by the common schools until 1854-, 
when the building was torn down, and four brick dwelling 
houses erected on its site by the congregation. 

In the summer of 1841, the old pulpit of the brick church 
was removed, and its place supplied by one of modern style ; 
the walls, too, were painted, and sundry other improvements 
made. In the same year the congregation also erected a spacious 
lecture room, one story high, twenty-eight by fifty-four feet, 
with thirteen feet ceiling. This building stands a little in the 
rear of the church, and has since been extended to Cherry 



276 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

alley, making a spacious room of twenty-eiglit by ninty-one 
feet. 

In 1855 the interior of tlie cliurch was handsomely frescoed 
by George Seiling, the celebrated Fresco Painter of Reading, 
and in January, 1856, the splendid organ which now adorns it, 
purchased from Jardine & Son, New York, was erected. 

It is worthy of mention that the " Confirmation table," which 
in days of old, stood before the pulpit in the first church, now 
constitutes the altar in the present Sabbath school room, and is 
in good preservation ; around this table were confirmed many 
of the grandfathers and fathers of the present generation. It 
is made of black walnut, and has been in use more than seventy 
years. We append the following memoranda : 

Rev. Daniel Grans, pastor. Residence, Chesnut street, between 
Front and Second, south side. Preaching every Sabbath morn- 
ing at 10 J o'clock, and at 7 o'clock in the evening. Communion 
on the second Sabbath of each January, April, July and Octo- 
ber. Catechetical class for adults every Monday evening, and 
for juveniles every Tuesday evening, in the lecture room. Lec- 
ture every Wednesday evening. Monthly Concert for Missions 
the first Monday evening of every month, in the Lecture 
Room. Choir meets in the church every Saturday evening for 
rehearsal. The two Sabbath schools meet at li, p. M. 



The Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This congrega- 
tion worshiped in the same church, which, with their German 
Reformed brethren, they had united in erecting in 1787, from 
the period of its erection until 1814, when they purchased a 
lot on Fourth street, between Market and Chesnut streets, and 
erected thereon a handsome brick church, and adjoining the 
same, in 1822, a large two story brick school house. In 1816 
they sold their interest in the old church property on Third 
street to the German Reformed church for one thousand dol- 



ANNALS OF HARRISBTJKG. 277 

lars. The first record in their oldest church book is in 1795, 
by the Rev. Henry Mueller, who was their first stationed pas- 
tor. To the articles of church government, written out at 
length in the first part of said book, the first few pages of which 
are unfortunately lost, the following signatures appear. These 
persons may, therefore, be considered as the founders of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, viz : 

Benjamin Kurtz, Henry Sailor, George Pfeiff"er, Matthias 
Hutman, George Jauss, George Hartman, Frederick Youae, 
Johannes Ebert, John Shoch, George Zeigler, Martin Krieger, 
George Seidel, George Scheile, George Emerich, Peter Walter, 
Casper Schmidt, Stephen Horning, George Buks, Balthazer 
Sees, John Eager, Peter Bricker, Christopher Suess, John Bly- 
tiuger, Bernhard Geiger, Peter Brua. 

The church and school house erected in 1814, were destroyed 
by fire on Sabbath evening, October 20, 1838. [See page 206.] 
It is worthy of note, that on the morning following, before the 
smouldering ruins were extinguished, the then pastor, Rev. 
Samuel Sprecher, together with the vestry, and a number of 
the members of the church, met on the spot, appointed com- 
mittees and adopted other measures for the speedy erection of 
the large and beautiful church which the congregation now oc- 
cupy. Universal sympathy was felt, and liberal donations were 
made by sister denominations. In 1839 the building was fin- 
ished, and dedicated to the worship of God on the 10th day of 
November of that year. 

The building is sixty-four feet front and eighty-four feet deep, 
and has a large lecture and several Sabbath school rooms in the 
basement story. It is of brick, covered with composition, and 
painted in imitation of marble. The cupola contains two fine bells. 

The pastors of the church from its foundation up to the year 
1843, preached both in the German and English languages, with 
the exception of the first two, who ministered in the German 
language alone. In consequence of the increase of both the 



278 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

German and English branches of the church, an amicable sepa- 
ration was effected in 1843, when the German portion organized 
a new church. 

Rev, Charles A. Hay, pastor. Residence in Walnut street, 
between Third and Fourth. Preaching every Sabbath at 10^ 
o'clock in the morning, and 7 o'clock in the evening. Lecture 
on Wednesday evening. Sabbath school at IJ, P. M. 



The Presbyterian Church. — In the year 1794, the Pres- 
byterians in this neighborhood attended at, and were to a great 
extent united with the Paxton church, a short distance from the 
town. ' Paxton and Derry churches were organized on the 15th 
day of November, A. D. 1732. The first pastor of these two 
churches was Rev. Mr. Bertram, a native of Ireland. He was 
succeeded, in 1737, by Rev. John Elder, also from Ireland, who 
ofiieiated until his death in 1792. 

After Harrisburg was laid out in 1785, the population in- 
creased, and the residents found considerable difficulty in attend- 
ing church at Paxton. They accordingly invited travelling 
preachers to officiate for them on several occasions. Rev. Mr. 
Elder regarded Harrisburg as justly in his district, and did not 
favor this movement. 

In 1786, the citizens of Harrisburg and others united in a 
petition to the Presbytery of Carlisle, then recently formed, to 
be organized into a distinct body. The facts of the case were 
laid before the Presbytery, both by Rev. Mr. Elder and by a 
representation of the citizens. A committee was appointed to 
investigate the matter, with power to grant the prayer of the 
petitioners if it should be thought advisable. The committee 
consisted of Dr. Davidson and Mr. Waugh. 

In June, 1787, the committee olfered articles of agreement, 
one of which was that the Presbytery of Paxton should have 
two places of worship — one at Harrisburg, and one at Paxton. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 279 

The articles were accepted with permission to call a colleague 
to Mr. Elder, but notwithstanding their existence, Rev. Mr. 
Elder continued sole pastor up to the time of his death. 

In 1794, the church in Harrisburg was organized, and Moses 
Gillmore, Adam Boyd and Samuel Weir ordained as ruling 
elders thereof. 

After Rev. Mr. Elder's death, Kev. N. R. Snowden was in- 
stalled as pastor over the congregation of Paxton, Derry and 
HarrisbuTg. In October, 1795, he applied for a dissolution of 
his pastoral relations with the Derry church. This was granted. 
In April, 1796, Rev. Mr. Snowden officiated at Harrisburg 
alone, but he was afterwards permitted to preach at Middletown. 

In 1799, a room in the Court House was obtained for wor- 
ship, the congregation having previously occupied an apartment 
over the old jail. 

On the 7th of June, 1804, the congregation purchased a lot 
at the corner of Second street and Cherry alley, for the sum of 
£400, and contracted soon after for the erection of a church 
with Mr. Glass. At what time the corner-stone of the first edi- 
fice was laid, the compiler could not ascertain. It was opened 
for Divine worship on Sunday and Monday, the 12th and IStli 
of February, 1809, at which time Rev. James Buchanan was 
installed as pastor, Rev. Mr. Snowden having retired from his pas- 
toral relation with the congregation on the 25th of June, 1805. 
The house was built of brick, forty -five by sixty feet; and in 
1816 an addition was added to the front, which was occupied by 
the Sabbath school and used as a lecture room. 

Rev. James Buchanan continued pastor of the church until 
September 10, 1815, ^hen he likewise retired. The church 
then remained without a regular pastor for a few years. On the 
second Sabbath of September, 1818, Rev. William R. DeWitt, 
of the Presbytery of New York, delivered his first sermon to the 
congregation. He shortly afterwards received a call from the 
congregation, which he accepted ; and he was regularly installed 



280 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

pastor of the cliurch on the 12tli of November, 1819. He still 
continues in this relation. 

The congregation obtained a legal charter in 1818. In 1838 
the division took place in the general church. The Presbytery 
of Harrisburg was formed in connection with the New School 
General Assembly, and this church became a part of that Pres- 
bytery. 

During the winter of 1840-1, the trustees repurchased of the 
heirs of Robert Sloan a part of the original church lot, which 
had been sold to that gentleman, and on which he had erected a 
three story brick house. In the spring of 1841 the old church 
was torn down, and a beautiful new edifice erected, which was 
dedicated to Divioe worship on the 13th of February, 1842. It 
was constructed of brick, covered with white cement. Its di- 
mensions were sixty -three by eighty-four feet, and adorned in 
front with a portico, supported by pillars of the Corinthian 
order — an exact copy of the front of the celebrated Choragic 
monument of Lysicrates, at Athens. The basement story was 
above ground, and contained a lecture room, a Sabbath school 
room, and a studio designed for the pastor. The audience cham- 
ber, with the galleries, was capable of seating about one thou- 
sand persons. The pulpit was of fine polished Italian marble, 
and the whole structure was regarded as one of the most hand- 
some in the borough. 

In July, 1854, Rev. Thomas H. Robinson was called to act 
as a colleague of Rev. Dr. DeWitt, and on the 21st of January, 
1855, he was duly installed. 

On the night of the 31st of March, 1858, a fire (the work of 
an incendiary) broke out in a small stable in the rear of the 
church, which spread with great rapidity to several adjoining 
frame buildings, during the conflagration of which the heavy 
wood cornish of the church caught fire, which quickly commu- 
nicated to the roof, and before the progress of the flames could 
be arrested the entire building was destroyed. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 281 

After the destruction of the cliurcli building, a part of the 
congregation withdrew, and formed another church. 

The original congregation, under the pastoral charge of Revs. 
DeWitt and Robinson, worship in Brant's City Hall, Market 
street. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 J o'clock in the morning, 
and 7 o'clock in the evening. Lecture every Wednesday even- 
ing. Monthly concert of prayer on the eVening of the first 
Monday of every month; and prayer meeting every Monday 
evening, in the Lutheran church. Sabbath school at 1 J o'clock 
in the afternoon, in the upper room of the Court House. 

A splendid new building for the accommodation of the congre- 
gation is now (1858) in progress of construction at the south-east 
corner of Second street and Market Square, under the direction 
of the architect, Mr. J. C. Hoxie, of Philadelphia. From the 
plans and specifications furnished by this gentleman, we find that 
the general style of the structure is a rich Romanesque, in size 
one hundred and thirty-three feet by sixty-six, exclusive of pro- 
jections. The front of the building will be on Second street. 
It will have three entrances from that street, with one at the 
side, leading to the lecture and Sabbath school rooms, which 
occupy a distinct part of the building in the rear. There are 
two turrets on the front part of the building, besides the steeple, 
which will be located on the upper corner of the building, and 
will be one hundred and ninety-three feet in height. A num- 
ber of minarets will adorn the sides, all of which will combine 
to give the building a very rich appearance. There will be a 
clock with four faces on the steeple, ninety feet above the 
ground. 

The audience room will be seventy-six by fifty-eight feet in 
size, and contain one hundred and forty pews, the pews to be 
a good distance apart. There will be no gallery, except a 
small one for the choir, and the ceiling of the church will be 
ornamented by paneling and stucco work. The height of the 
walls, at the lower corners of the roof, will be thirty-two feet, 

36 



282 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG, 

and to the cone of the roof in front, fifty-six feet. The main 
Sabbath school room will be over the lecture room, before spoken 
of, in the rear part of the building. The cappings of the win- 
dows, (of which there will be a large number,) turrets, &c., 
will be either of brown stone or iron. The entire cost of the 
building is expected to be from $20,000 to $25,000, and when 
completed it will undoubtedly be one of the finest structures in 
the interior of the State. 

The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the above build- 
ing took place on Tuesday afternoon, the 26th of October, 1858, 
in the presence of a large collection of people. We condense 
from the daily papers of the borough a description of the cere- 
monies observed on that occasion : 

The hour appointed for the ceremony was two o'clock, but 
b^ore that time a large number of persons were in attendance. 
For the accommodation of ladies, chairs had been placed upon 
a platform constructed over the cellar of the building. Upon 
this platform a stand had been erected for the officiating clergy- 
men, and a portion of the space was reserved for members of 
the Sunday School, and young ladies from the Seminary of Mrs. 
Dickson, and the Pennsylvania Female College. Every available 
part of the neighboring pavements was crowded with spectators, 
and many of the windows in the square also had their occu- 
pants. A few minutes after two o'clock the reverend gentlemen 
intending to participate mounted the platform. The proceed- 
ings were opened by anthem singing by the choir. Eev Mr. 
Hutchins then delivered a fervent and appropriate prayer, in- 
voking the blessing of Providence upon the enterprise, and 
asking that the devotion of the members might never diminish. 

A portion of the 15th Parish hymn was then sung, com- 
mencing : 

" Glory to God oa high, 
Let Heaven and Earth reply — 
Praise ye his name. 



ANNALS OE HARRISBURG, 283 

His love and grace adore, 
Who all our sorrows bore, 
Sing loud forevermore. 
Worthy the Lamb." 

Rev. Wm. R. DeWitt next proceeded to read from a manu- 
script a recital of the principal events, in chronological order, 
which had marked the existence of the church from the begin- 
ning of the eighteenth century to the present time ; at the con- 
elusion of which he proceeded to the corner-stone, and after 
seeing that the same was properly adjusted, he was handed a 
Mason's mallet, with which he gave the stone a slight blow, and 
then declared it laid. 

The stone was properly squared, and contained on one side a 
cavity about twelve inches in length by five inches in heighth 
and depth. 

In this cavity the following articles were placed, enclosed in 
a leaden box :— A copy of the Bible ; Confession of Faith ; 
Psalm and Hymn Book ; History of the Church ; Covenant of 
the Church ; list of pastors, elders and members of the church, 
trustees and building committee, architect, contractor and 
builders ; the various religious periodicals ; a copy of the Daily 
and Weeldy Telegraph, Union and Vaterland Wcechtei", and 
also copies of the Philadelphia and New York papers. 

The concluding ceremonies were as follows : — Prayer by Rev. 
Dr. DeWitt. Music by children of the Sunday School. Hymn 
530, Parish hymns. Address by Rev. E. E. Adams, of Phila- 
delphia. Address by Rev. T. H. Robinson. Collection. Mu- 
sic — Hymn 132, Parish hymns. Doxology sung by the con- 
gregation. Benediction. 

The newly organized church, at present under no particular 
pastoral charge, worship in the State Senate Chamber. Preach- 
ing every Sabbath, at 10 o'clock in the morning and 6 in the 
evening. Prayer meeting every Thursday evening at TJ o'clock, 
in the lecture room of the Baptist church, corner of Second 



284 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

and Pine streets. Monthly concert of prayer for missions, on 
the first Monday evening of every month, in the same place. 
Sunday school at 8i o'clock, A. M., in the lecture room of the 
Grerman Reformed church, Chestnut street. 

In the summer of 1858, the congregation purchased a lot 
one hundred and five by eighty-two, at the corner of Pine and 
Third streets, upon which in the year 1859, will be constructed 
a handsome church edifice of limestone, in the style of Gothic 
which prevailed in the beginning of the fourteenth century. 
The extreme length of the building is one hundred and five 
feet, and its width in the rear sixty-seven feet. That part de- 
voted to the lecture and Sabbath school rooms is in the rear, and 
projects beyond the side of the main building. The tower of 
the main building, projecting from its Third street side, im- 
parts to the whole pile, breadth and peculiarity, and is admired 
for its grace and massiveness. It is surmounted with a spire, 
and the combined height of the two is one hundred and sixty feet. 

The front of the building on Pine street is of great symmetry 
and variety ; and while it has the desirable look of solidity, it 
is made pleasing and lively by a sufficiency without redundancy 
of ornament. 

The main audience room, and the lower floor of the lecture 
room, are about two feet above the level of the pavement. 

The principal entrances to the audience room are through 
two large door-ways in the lower section of the main tower on 
Third street, and a door-way opposite, entered from Pine street. 
There are also two other entrances, one through the small tower 
of the lecture room, and another through the session room. 

The lecture and school room are entered through a large and 
commodious door on Third street. The construction of that 
part of the building containing these, was commenced in the 
fall of 1858, and completed in the early part of 1859. 

The windows are of light stained glass, which gives a very 
pleasant and cheerful eff'ect. The roof is constructed of open 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 285 

timber, collar braced, and bas a span of fifty-tbree feet. Tbe 
principal timbers are moulded, and painted in colors barmoniz- 
ing witb tbe ricb stained glass of tbe windows. An opening 
immediately beneatb tbe roof along tbe entire lengtb of tbe 
audience room furnisbes proper ventilation. 

Tbe pews in tbe audience room are divided by four aisles 
running parallel witb Tbird street, and two running parallel 
witb Pine street, and will seat comfortably six bundred persons. 

Tbe cboir gallery projects beyond tbe side of tbe main build- 
ing, to tbe rigbt of tbe pulpit. Under tbis gallery are tbe ses- 
sion room and pastor's study. 

All tbe wood work of tbe interior, excepting tbe roof, is 
grained in imitation of oak, wbicb adds mucb to tbe general 
effect, and supports tbe air of solidity and durability wbicb 
cbaracterizes tbe wbole structure. Tbe arcbitect of tbe build- 
ing was Lutber M. Simon, of Harrisburg. 



Methodist Episcopal Church.— Tbe records of tbiscburcb 
sbow tbat as early as 1802, Harrisburg was visited in circuit, 
statedly, by Rev. Jacob Gruber. Tbe first society was formed 
in 1810. In October, 1818, tbe following persons constituted 
tbe cburcb, viz : Jobn Funk, William Mitcbell, Jane Mitcbell, 
Jobn Bond, Rebecca Bond, Harriet Henry, Amelia Henry, 
William Musgrave, B. Barret, Jobn Hosier, Alex. Buffington, 
Jobn Rigg, Jane Wood, E. Wood, Louisa Power, Jacob M. 
Awl, Aurora Callender, Mary M'Micbael, George Linketter, 
Jobn Burkett. 

At tbis period. Rev. Mr. M' Allister, on bebalf of tbe congrega- 
tion, purcbased tbe small two story brick dwelling bouse wbicb 
stood until tbe fall of 1858 on tbe nortb-west side of Pine 
street, a few doors from Tbird street, wbicb, after being altered 
for tbe purpose was used by tbe congregation, until it was sold 



286 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

by the Sheriff to satisfy a mortgage which existed on it previous 
to its purchase by that body. 

After vacating this building, the congregation worshipped in 
the small one story log house, still standing on the south-east 
side of Locust street, between Second street and River alley, 
and subsequently in the school house of Mr, M'Ginnis, a one 
story frame building, which formerly stood in Raspberry alley, 
east of Chesnut street, on the lot now owned by Mr. Jacob 
Miley. 

In 1820 the congregation erected the brick building at the 
eastern corner of South and Second streets, at an expense of 
$1,500. Trustees at that time, John Bond, James Grallagher 
and John Funk. This church was dedicated in December, 1820. 
Preachers then on this circuit. Rev. J. Gruber and H. Gr. King. 
It continued to be a circuit church until 1834, when Rev. 
Francis Hogdson became the first stationed pastor. The society 
then consisted of one hundred and seventy-five members. 

A few years after the erection of the church building, some 
evil disposed persons entered it at night, and, with an augur, 
bored holes in the sills of the pulpit, which they filled with 
powder and ignited by slow matches, the explosion of which 
shattered that structure into fragments. Although a reward 
of $190 was offered by the Governor, and one of similar amount 
by the Town Council, the perpetrators of the deed were never 
discovered. Universal sympathy was extended to the oongre- 
gation by the citizens of the borough, and liberal donations of 
money made, which not only enabled the congregation to con- 
struct a new pulpit, but to pay an onerous debt on the church 
building itself, for which the trustees were bondsmen. 

The old church being inconveniently small, the society, in 1837, 
commenced the erection of its present large and commodious 
building, in Locust street. Its size is sixty feet six inches front 
by seventy-three feet deep, and cost $9,459 24. It was dedi- 
cated in August, 1838, and remodeled in 1852. Pastor, Rev. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 287 

T>. W. Bartine. Kesidence in Walnut street near Second. — 
Preaching every Sabbath at 10 in the morning and 7^ in the 
evening Lecture every Thursday evening. Communion first 
Sabbath of every month, immediately after morning service. — 
Baptism," last Sabbath of every month, immediately before 
preaching. Class-meetings in the basement of the church on 
Sabbath afternoon at 3 o'clock, and on Monday, Tuesday and 
Friday evenings. Sabbath school at li o'clock in the afternoon, 
in the basement. Infant school and Bible Class at the same 
hour. 



Protestant Episcopal (St. Stephen's) Church. — This 
congregation was established May 16, 182G, by the following 
persons, who then constituted its members : 

George B. Fisher, John B. Cox, William Mileham, William 
Putnam, James Woodman, James S. Buchanan, James Peacock, 
Samuel Bryan, Alexander C. Wilson, John E. Forster and John 
De Pui. 

In 1827 the congregation erected a neat and substantial brick 
building, of the Gothic order, on Front street, a short distance 
below Pine, in size forty feet front by sixty feet deep, at a cost 
of $5,000. A lofty square brick tower surmounts the front of 
the edifice, in which is one of the finest bells in the borough. 
A superior toned organ is also attached to the church, whose 
melodious strains give good eff"ect to the beautiful services of the 
congregation. The Rectory of the church is on Front street, 
above Pine — Rev. Robert A. Castleman, Rector. Regular Sab- 
bath service, morning and evening. On first Sunday of each 
month, communion in morning, children catechised in the after- 
noon, and service at evening. Lecture on Wednesday evening; 
Bible Class on Monday evening ; Sabbath school, morning and 
afternoon. All pews free for strangers. 



288 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church. — This edifice was erected 
in the year 1826, by Kev. Michael Curren. It is a very neat 
building, with a tower and large bell, situated on State street, 
between Second and Third streets. It was consecrated October 
2, 1827, by Eight Rev. Henry Conwell, then Bishop of the 
diocese of Philadelphia. Its original size was about fifty by 
seventy -five feet, and cost from $6,000 to $7,000. It has since 
been enlarged and otherwise improved. Rev. Michael Curren 
was its first pastor, who was succeeded by Rev. John Foley, who 
held charge of it only a few months. The latter was succeeded 
by the present incumbent, Rev. Pierce Maher. Preaching 
every Sabbath at 10^ o'clock, A. M., and 3 P. M. Sabbath 
school at 9 A. M. Mass on Sunday at 8i, A. M., and during 
the week at 6J, A. M. 



Church of God. — A congregation, with the above title, un- 
der the pastoral care of Rev. John Winebrenner, in the year 
1827, erected the brick edifice, which stood until the summer 
of 1858, in Mulberry street, between Front street and River 
alley, on the lot now occupied by the South Ward public school 
building, and worshipped therein until a few years ago, when it 
built and removed to the now brick structure at the corner of 
Fourth street and Strawberry alley, which it at present occupies. 
The compiler has been unable to procure any further particu- 
lars. Pastor, Rev. James Colder. Preaching every Sabbath 
at 10 A. M., and 7^ P. M. Lecture every Thursday evening. 
Ordinances administered on the first Sabbath of January, April, 
July and October. Class-meetings on Monday, Tuesday and 
Wednesday evenings, and Sabbath afternoon. Sabbath school 
at 1* P. M. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 289 



First Baptist Church.— Kev. Dyer A. Nichols, under the 
direction of the Pennsylvania Baptist Board of Missions, ar- 
rived in Harrisburgon the 19th of February, 1830. He sought 
out a few of the same faith. After sundry meetings in private 
houses, they agreed in council, on the 22nd of March, 1830, to 
hold a meeting in the Unitarian church, which then stood 
where the Methodist church now stands, in Locust street, near 
Third, for the purpose of constituting themselves into a church. 
That meeting was held on the 2nd of April, 1830. Nine per- 
sons attended, viz : Rev. Dyer A. Nichols, Griffith E. Roberts, 
Mary Berry, Abigail Rittenhouse, Ann Wilkinson, Thos. Cor- 
bitt, Julia Thompson, and Fanny Phillips. The meeting was 
opened with prayer by Rev. D. A. Nichols, and these individ- 
uals constituted themselves the " First Baptist Mission Church, 
of Harrisburg." The first baptism took place on the 4th of 
July, 1830 ; persons baptised — Levi L. Tate and Linn Banks. 
On the 9 th of September following, the congregation had in- 
creased to twenty-one. Rev. Dyer A. Nichols continued in 
pastoral charge until September 30, 1830. 

In the fall of 1830 the congregation commenced the erection 
of a church on Front street, between Walnut and Locust streets, 
which was completed in August, 1831. It is a neat edifice of 
brick, forty by fifty feet, with a fine school room in the base- 
ment. . The original founders were AV^illiam Griffith, Rev. D. 
A. Nichols, Griffith E. Roberts, and Jeremiah Reese; cost of 
lot and erection of buildings, $6,700; a large portion of which 
was contributed by a worthy member of the church. The build- 
ing was dedicated to worship August 18, 1831, and on the 3Cth 
of September, of the same year, Rev. George J. Miles, of Cen- 
tre county, Pa., took pastoral charge of the church, which he 
retained until February 24, 1835. 

The congregation, several years ago, vacated the church 
building on Front street, and commenced the erection of a large 

37 



290 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

and commodious brick edifice at the east corner of Second and 
Pine streets. The building is now (1858) under roof, but in 
other respects remains incomplete, owing to pecuniary considera- 
tions. The lecture room in the basement, however, has been 
fitted up for the accommodation of the congregation, and divine 
services are held therein regularly every Sabbath, under the 
pastoral charge of Rev. Green Miles. 



The German Lutheran St. Michael's Church. — The 
difficulties in relation to divine service, in the English and 
German languages, existing in the Evangelical Lutheran Zion's 
church led, (as has been previously stated,) to an amicable sep- 
aration between the English and German members in the fall 
of 1842. After a number of preliminary meetings, the Ger- 
man portion who seceded from the church, formally organized, 
and on the 8th of January, 1843, founded the present German 
Lutheran St. Michael's church. At this meeting Rev. G. 
Mertz, was chosen pastor of the congregation ; on the 22nd 
February following, a committee was appointed to draft rules 
for their government, which were adopted on the 6th of July, 
1843. 

As the congregation had no church building of their own, 
they worshipped at times in the Court House, old Methodist 
church, and in the German Reformed church and lecture room. 

The congregation soon took measures to secure a building, 
and having purchased of the late Thomas Elder, Esq., a lot in 
Second street, below Meadow lane, a building committee, con- 
sisting of John G. Jauss, Christian Maeyer, Jacob Roger, Jacob 
Reever and John Gastrock, was appointed, with authority also 
to collect funds. With their accustomed liberality towards all 
good objects, the citizens of Harrisburg assisted their German 
brethren, and several mechanics generously contributed in work 
and materials. Rev. G. Mertz's term having expired, the con- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 291 

gregation called Rev. J. Vogelbach, then residing in Philadel- 
phia, who was installed on the 21st of July, 1844. Soon after 
this, the building committee contracted with Messrs. Jones and 
Zimmerman for the erection of the church. The corner-stone 
was laid on the 4th of May, 1844, and on the 15th of Septem- 
ber following the house was dedicated to the worship of God. 
During the building of the church, extreme difficulties were 
experienced, and often it was supposed that the enterprise would 
have to be abandoned. At this juncture, with a praiseworthy 
self-denial, four of the members, viz : Messrs. John Gr. Jauss, 
Christian Maeyer, Jacob Boger and Frederick Gauch, advanced 
each one hundred and fifty dollars, making six hundred dollars 
in all, to enable the church to succeed. 

The church is a handsome brick building thirty-eight by 
sixty feet, with basement story ; has a front gallery, organ and 
Gothic windows — cost with the lot, about $4,000. 

In 1844 the congregation was incorporated, and by the arti- 
cles of incorporation, it is ordained that Divine service shall be 
performed in the German language only. 

Pastor in 1858, Rev. W. S. Porr. Preaching every Sabbath 
at 10 o'clock, A. M., and 7 o'clock, P. M. 



United Brethren. — This society was established about ten 
years ago ; but we had no means of obtaining particulars of its 
early history. It owns, and worships in the old Baptist church 
building, on Front street, near Locust, and is at present in a 
very flourishing condition. 

The pastor of the congregation is Rev. I. Carpenter. Resi- 
dence in North street, near Third. Preaching every Sabbath 
at 10 o'clock in the morning and 7 in the evening. Lecture 
every Thursday evening. Sabbath school at 11 in the after- 
noon. 



292 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Evangelical Association. — A society with this title, was 
established a few years ago, and at present its members are 
pretty numerous. The congregation worship in the lower story 
of the Sons of Temperance Hall, corner of Second and South 
streets, under the pastoral care of Rev. Gr. Marquet. Preach- 
every Sabbath at 10 A. M., and 7 P. M. Sabbath school, Eng- 
lish and German, at 1 o'clock, P. M. 



Ohaf Sholem Congregation of Jews, worship every Sat- 
urday at the synagogue in the second story of Duncan's building. 
Third street. The congregation is large and respectable. L.Bern- 
hard is Rabbi ; A. Rapp, President, and Joseph Newman, Trea- 
surer^of the congregation. We could obtain no further particulars. 

Wesleyan Union (colored) Church. — This congregation 
was organized under the pastoral care of Rev. Jacob D. Rich- 
ardson, on the 20th of August, 1829. The organization took 
place in a log building, which was standing until a few years 
ago, at the corner of Third and Mulberry streets. 

The congregation, at present, worship in a plain, but neat 
church, at the corner of Tanner's alley and South street, to 
which they removed November 24, 1839. Present pastor. Rev. 
James A. Jones ; residence. Tanner's alley. Preaching every 
Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock, 2J P. M., and in the evening at 
7 J o'clock. Class-meetings on Monday and Friday evenings, 
and on Sunday at noon. Lecture or discussion on Wednesday 
evening; of each week. 



Bethel. — A congregation of colored people, with this title, 
worship in a small building near Short street, above Walnut. 
Preaching at 10 o'clock in the morning, and at 2J in the after- 
noon, and 7 in the evening. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 293 

The Presbyterian Church, (colored). — About the lOtli 
of September, 1857, Mr. Joseph C. Bristill, at the instance of 
M. M'Kinney, Esq., of Harrisburg, called the attention of Rev. 
C. W. Gardner, of Philadelphia, to the necessity of forming an 
additional Presbyterian church in Harrisburg. Induced by this 
representation, Rev. Mr. Gardner, visited Harrisburg on the 
20th of September and conferred with Rev'ds Dr. DeWitt and 
Robinson, and other prominent Presbyterians of the First church 
upon the subject, who experienced a lively interest in the mat- 
ter, and promised to extend liberal aid to the enterprise, provi- 
ded a suitable place for worship could be procured. The great 
financial troubles which, at this period, prevailed throughout the 
country, however, caused a suspension of the project until the 
spring of 1858, at which time several members of the proposed 
congregation rented the large and commodious room on the 
second story of the brick building at the south-west corner of 
Walnut street and River alley, which was fitted up as a place of 
worship for the congregation, who convened to hold Divine ser- 
vices therein, regularly, every Sabbath, under the direction of 
Rev'ds DeWitt and Robinson. A Sunday school was also or- 
ganized and placed under the superintendance of Mordecai M'- 
Kinney, Esq. 

The congregation, thus formed, invited Rev. C. W. Gardner, 
who had returned to Philadelphia, to undertake its pastoral 
charge. This gentleman accepted the invitation, and arrived in 
Harrisburg on the 9th of April, 1858. On Sunday, the 11th 
of April, he preached his first sermon. 

On the 14th of October, 1858, the congregation sent a peti- 
tion to the Harrisburg Presbytery asking to be regularly or- 
ganized, which was granted ; and on the 27th of the same month 
a committee of the Presbytery met at the church, in Walnut 
street, to perform that duty. 

Rev. William R. DeWitt presided. An appropriate sermon 



294 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

was delivered by Rev. Dr. Wing, of Carlisle, and an impressive 
prayer offered to the Throne of Grace by Rev. James Colder, of 
Harrisburg. 

At 7 o'clock p. M., the following named persons were duly 
organized a church, viz : Jeremiah Kelley, Hannah Kelley, 
Hiram Baker, Nancy Christy, Matilda Greenly, Zillah Galloway, 
Sarah Hawkins, Curry Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Wm. White, 
Sarah Kelley, and Hannah Humphreys, all of whom were re- 
ceived on profession, except Nancy Christy, who presented a 
certificate from the Presbyterian church of Mercersburg, Pa. 

Jeremiah Kelley and Hiram Baker, were respectively or- 
dained as ruling elders. 

After the ceremonies, addresses were delivered by Rev'ds 
DeWitt, Wing and Davis. 

The church made immediate application to the Presbytery to 
be supplied with ministerial services for the ensuing six months; 
whereupon Rev. C. W. Gardner was unanimously chosen as 
pastor. 

The congregation worship every Sabbath at 10 >i A. M., and 7 
P. M. Sabbath school at 2^ p. M. 

EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS. 

General intelligence is a prominent characteristic of the citi- 
zens of the borough, and the consequence is that their educa- 
tional institutions are all in a flourishing condition, and numerous. 

The Common Schools. — The following tabular statement of 
the common schools in Harrisburg, is derived from the annual 
report of S. D. Ingram, Esq., the County Superintendent for 
1858: 

N. Ward. S. Ward. 
Whole number of schools, .... 14 10 

Average number of months taught, ... 10 10 

Number of male teachers, .... 7 3 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



295 



N, Ward, S, Ward. 
Number of female teachers, .... 7 7 

Average salaries of males per month, . . $40 00 $38 88 
Average salaries of females per month . 27 33 23 93 

Number of male scholars, .... 576 400 

Number of female scholars, .... 407 505 

Average number of scholars attending school, 771 610 

Cost of teaching each scholar per month, . 49 cts. 

Mills on the dollar levied for school purposes, 6J mills. 5 mills. 

'« " building " . 5 

Amount of tax for school purposes, . . $10,376 09 

" " building «' . . $5,539 02 

Total amount levied, ..... 10,376 09 5,539 02 
Received from State appropriation . . 532 00 350 74 

Received from collector of taxes, . . 9,198 06 5,279 46 

Cost of instruction, i. e. teachers wages, . 5,656 00 3,002 20 
Fuel and contingencies .... 679 04 1,842 20 

Cost of school houses, purchasing, building, 

renting, &c. 2,951 52 9,700 00 

From the report of the same officer made in 1857, we derive 
the following statement of the school houses in the borough : 

North Ward. — In State street, one brick school house, two 
stories, two rooms, with high ceilings, can seat sixty pupils in 
each, means of ventilation good, heated by furnace, hydrants in 
rooms, best style of furniture, a large portion of the walls 
painted black, beside a large black-board in each. Two large 
brick buildings in Walnut street, two stories high, four rooms 
in each, plenty of black surface in each room ; out-line and 
other maps, globes and philosophical apparatus belong to the 
schools ; schools well graded ; primary schools crowded. A 
good one story brick building for colored school. 

South Ward. — Three brick buildings, each two stories high, 
and two schools in each ; schools graded, and primary schools 
crowded ; maps and other apparatus belong to the schools ; have 
introduced Murrey's and Stoeck's school register into each school 
of the ward. 

Since the above was written, the new school house in Mul- 



296 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

berry street, previously noticed, has been completed, and an 
addition built to the brick school house in State street, giving 
it nearly twice its former capacity. 



Harrisburg Female Seminary. — This flourishing institu- 
tion had its origin in 1849, in a select class of young ladies, 
under the instruction of Mrs. Anna Le Conte, who continued 
its principal until July 1858. The advantages of her instruction 
soon led to an increase of pupils, requiring assistant teachers, 
and to an act of incorporation, by the Legislature of Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1853, under a board of trustees, consisting of the fol- 
lowing persons, viz : 

James W. Weir, President'; John C. Kunkel, Secretary; J. 
Adams Fisher, Daniel J). Boas, James li. Jones, William M. 
Kerr, and George H. Small. Since that time it has been en- 
larging in numbers and usefulness until it now ranks among the 
best institutions of the kind in our State ; one which not only 
our own citizens appreciate and patronize, but which enjoys the 
confidence and patronage of many through the Commonwealth 
and of other States. 

There have been connected with the institution, during the 
winter term of 1858, about one hundred boarding and day 
scholars. 

The following named persons constituted its corps of in- 
structors in 1858 : 

Mrs. Sarah E. Dixon, principal; Miss Marion A. Slocum, 
teacher of Latin, Mathematics and the higher English branches; 
Miss Delia A. Slocum, teacher of English branches and Draw- 
ing; Miss Charlotte L. Metcalf, teacher of Music; Miss Louisa 
Whipple, teacher of Music ; Mad'selle Benner, teacher of the 
French language; M. Adolpho Tuipser, teacher of the German 
language. 

The Seminary is on Locust street, near the Capitol grounds, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 297 

which is the most quiet and retired portion of the town. Its 
dry and elevated situation has rendered it remarkably healthy. 
No serious illness has ever occurred in the family. 

The building is admirably calculated for a boarding school, 
being very large, lighted with gas, well warmed, with conve- 
niences for bathing, &c., while the school room is of ample ca- 
pacity to seat over two hundred pupils, well ventilated and sup- 
plied with Boston desks and all necessary apparatus. 

The religious, moral and intellectual influence of the Semi- 
nary has been very marked. The schedule of studies is ample; 
meeting the demands of the age for enlarged female education. 

The catalogues of the institution contain strong testimonials 
from gentlemen of the highest character for intelligence and 
worth, who have been patrons of the Seminary, or who have 
been on committees of examination. 

The success of this institution is a matter of congratulation 
to our citizens, and is eminently creditable to its accomplished 
founder, Mrs. Le Conte. 



Pennsylvania Female College, — This institution of learn- 
ing was incorporated by the Legislature of the Commonwealth 
at its session of 1853, and is endowed with the privileges and 
immunities of institutions of like character throughout the 
United States. 

It is governed by a board of twenty-four trustees, of which 
the Governor of the Commonwealth is (ex-ojjficio) President. 

The course of instruction is intended to develop the intellec- 
tual, social and moral faculties ; and by imparting a thorough, prac- 
tical, accomplished and Christian education, fit the pupil for the 
faithful discharge of the responsible duties that await her in life. 

Great pains are taken to promote intellectual advancement, by 
rendering the acquisition of knowledge pleasant, and by train- 
ing the pupil for correct habits of thought and reflection. 

38 



298 ANNALS OF HABKISBURG. 

The proper exercises of the social feelings are encouraged by 
inculcating whatever belongs to refined manners, and dignified 
courtesy in our intercourse with others; while reading and reci- 
tations from the Bible, familiarize the mind with the truth of 
our holy religion, and imbue the heart with the right principles 
of action and rules for the government of life. 

The collegiate department embraces a course of study ex- 
tending through a period of three years — styled the Sophomore, 
Junior and Senior classes. 

In accordance with the plan recommended and adopted by a 
Convention of the Presidents of Female Colleges, recently held 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, those young ladies pursuing a full collegiate 
course, receive a diploma and degree, in correspondence with 
the nature of their studies. 

A general examination of the classes is held at the close of 
the summer term; and, at the commencement held at- that 
time, such young ladies as have, by their previous diligence and 
application, merited the honor, is admitted to the degree au- 
thorized by the board of trustees. Beautiful silver medals are 
awarded, as special honors, to those members of the graduating 
class who have exhibited great proficiency and application in 
their studies. 

The College building is that known as the "Harris Man- 
sion," on the corner of Front street and Washington avenue 
These premises have been thoroughly refitted, the rooms have 
been altered so as to afford great convenience, and by the intro- 
duction of gas, water, and hot air fi'om furnaces, are rendered 
very comfortable. 

The College and grounds occupy an entire square on the 
banks of the beautiful Susquehanna, and are entirely discon- 
nected with adjoining property. The whole is enclosed with 
substantial fence and railing, and the garden and walks are 
beautifully and tastefully arranged. 

The graduates of the College for the scholastic year 1857-8, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 299 

numbered thirty, and the students fifty-four — giving a total of 
eighty-four. 

The Principal of the Faculty is Kev. Beverly R. Waugh, 
A.M. 



The Harrisburg Academt. — An educational establishment 
with this title existed in the borough previous to the year 1813. 

In the " Pennsylvania Republican '' of October 10, of that 
year, we find the following notice of the Academy : 

Harrishurg Academy. — Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Rev. Mr. Grlon- 
inger, Rev. Mr. SchaeflFer, A. Porter, Esq., W. Graydon, Esq., 
Gr. Fisher, Esq., R. Harris, Esq., Gr. Bryan, Esq., Samuel Ag- 
new, Trustees. Sylvanus Guernsey, Principal. 

A quarterly examination of the students of this institution 
was held at the Court House, on Friday the ] st inst., before the 
trustees and some of the parents of the scholars, with other 
citizens of the town ; and on the following evening, before a 
numerous and respectable assemblage of citizens, the pupils ex- 
hibited specimens of their improvement in oratory. 

Harrishurg, October 4, 1813. 
At a meeting of the Trustees of the Academy : 

The board having witnessed with much satisfaction, on the 
day of examination, the facility and general correctness of the 
scholars in answering the various questions on the improvement 
made in their respective studies, and on the evening of the 
following day, their specimens of oratory, deem it a duty to ex- 
press their approbation of the system and conduct of Mr.' 
Guernsey; therefore, 

Resolved, That the secretary cause the foregoing to be pub- 
lished in the newspapers of the borough. 

By order and on behalf of the board of trustees. 

ANDW. PORTER, Pres't. 
Samuel Agnetv, Sec'y. 



30Q ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

In 1814, as we have shown on page 149, the trustees of the 
Academy received from the State a grant of a part of the pub- 
lic grounds, for the purpose of erecting thereon a suitable school 
building. At this period it appears to have been a joint stock 
concern, but we do not know how long it retained this character. 

The present Academy is under the control of Mr. A. A. Kem- 
ble, and a board of trustees, and enjoys a good reputation for 
the thorough and systematic course of instructions the pupils 
receive therein. 

The Academy building is a plain rough-cast edifice, two stories 
high, beautifully situated on Front street, a short distance above 
South, adjacent to the residence of the principal. 



Select Schools. — A select school for young men was estab- 
lished a few years ago by Mr. Jacob S. Seller, at his residence, 
corner of Chesnut street and Kasberry alley. It is well attended 
apparently with successful results. 

R. M'Elwee, and sisters, Mrs. Pool, Miss Kelker, and Miss 
Valentine, also, are in charge of select schools for infants of both 
sexes, in which the elementary branches of study are pursued, 
with such modification of discipline suited to the tender age of 
the scholars as secures a good foundation for further intellectual 
pursuits. 

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. 

Harrisburg Bible Society. — The Harrisburg Bible So- 
ciety is now in the forty-fourth year of its existence ; having 
been founded on the 3d of February, 1814. The original 
members of the society were as follows: William Graydon, 
President; Rev. F. C. Schaefi'er, Secretary; William Findlay, 
Simon Snyder, Richard G. Leech and Joseph M'Gimsey, Trea- 
surers. Soon after its formation the following named gentle- 
men engaged in the good cause : Dr. Roberts, Dr. Agnew, N. 



ANNALS OP HAKRISBURG. 301 

B. Boileau, Rev. G-eorge Locliman, Eobert Sloan, John Wyeth, 
John Mytinger, Peter Keller, James Trimble, Henry Antes, 
George Bryan, James Peacock, Rev. W. R. DeWitt, George 
Whitehill, John Whitehill, William Allison, James Wright, 
Andrew Graydon, William Murray, Perry C. Nabb, John C. 
Capp, M. Ranhausen, F. Heisley, James Wright, George K. 
Nutz, John Stoner, Dr. Martin Luther and Mrs. Hanna. 

From this list of names it will be perceived how cordially the 
prominent citizens of the place entered into this movement, and 
the records of the society prove that, for more than forty years, 
this truly humane and benevolent cause has never lost its hold 
upon the sympathies of our population. This association was 
for many years the only one existing in Dauphin county, but it 
repeatedly undertook and accomplished the exploration of the 
whole of our territory, and the supplying of all the destitute 
with copies of the Holy Scriptures, at the same time sending 
liberal donations annually to the parent society. In the year 
1851 it sent out into the various towns and villages of the 
county, committees of its board of managers to organize simi- 
lar associations wherever it was practicable. Twelve such were 
established, and these were subsequently combined, along with 
the original Harrisburg Bible society, into the existing Dauphin 
County Bible society, of which the officers in 1858 were Hon. A. 
0. Hiester, President; Rev. C. A. Hay, Secretary; A. K. 
Fahnestock, Treasurer. The present number of members is 
one hundred and fifty. 

The above particulars were kindly furnished at the compiler's 
request, by A. K. Fahnestock, and were published in the Daily 
Patriot and Union, from which they are copied. 



Harrisburg Sunday School Teachers' Union. — This 
organization had its origin in the expostulating wish of a 
warm-hearted Sunday School teacher, at the close of a monthly 



302 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

concert of prayer for Sunday schools, in the year 1839 — " Why 
cannot we have an association of Sunday School teachers?'' — 
The expression had a strong effect on the mind of the person to 
whom it was addressed, and immediately led to a consultation 
among the superintendents of the several schools of the borough, 
who agreed to call a general meeting of teachers and recom- 
mend the organization of such an institution. This meeting 
was held in the county court house* in the month of June, 1839, 
and was attended by about one hundred teachers and others in- 
terested in religious instruction. The teachers of all the Sab- 
bath schools in the borough were present, and five out of six of 
the schools agreed to make the experiment — the teachers of the 
sixth school declined participating in the movement on the 
ground that the hour selected for attendance would interfere 
with their church services. 

The association was organized by electing Charles V. Kelley, 
President, and Rudolph F. Kelker, Secretary. 

The objects specially arrived at in forming the association 
were — prayer, discipline, exhortation, local intelligence, the in- 
culcation of fraternal feeling and Sunday School fellowship, the 
establishment and support of Sunday schools in destitute locali- 
ties, and a depository of religious books, &c. 

Said the annual report of the association, in 1841, "no bet- 
ter evidence of our fraternal feeling can be referred to than the 
full attendance of our meetings, which have averaged twice or 
thrice as many as that of the monthly concert in Philadelphia — 
the great Sunday School metropolitan, with her train bands of 
fifteen hundred or two thousand teachers." 

The association continued in a prosperous condition until 
about the year 1844, when an enthusiastic religious revival pre- 
vailed in all the churches, which absorbed the interest of the 

*The first Sunday school ever organized in the borough was held in 
this building — hence it has been very appropriately called the "Cradle 
of Harrisburg Sunday schools." 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 303 

teachers, and caused a suspension of its meetings until June, 
1854, when it was again revived by the election of Rudolph F. 
Kelker, President, and Augustus Burnett, Secretary. 

The organization, at present, is in a flourishing condition, and ' 
meets monthly in the several churches of the borough, alter- 
nately. The depository is in Chestnut street, west of Second 
street, and is under the superintendence of E. S, German. — 
The officers of the Society in 1858 were James M'Cormick, Jr., 
President; Emanuel S. German, Secretary. 



The Union Communion. — The Christian feeling and brother- 
ly kindness that uniformly prevailed in the meetings of the 
" Sunday School Teachers' Union," suggested the propriety of 
a joint public celebration of the Lord's Supper, by the super- 
intendents and teachers of the schools represented in the 
" Union," together with such of the pupils of their schools as 
were members of the church. 

To avoid interfering with the communion seasons of any of 
the churches, the last Sabbath in April was designated for the 
purpose. The matter was mentioned first to the superintendents 
and pastors. It met with a general approval, and that none 
might partake but church members in good standing, each super- 
intendent was to be furnished with his quota of printed pro- 
grammes, containing the order of exercises, hymns to be sung, 
&c. 

Accordingly, at the close of the several schools on the last 
Sabbath of April, 1855, those teachers and older scholars who 
were church members in good standing, were invited to remain; 
and to each was given a programme, which served as a token of 
his or her right to commune. The superintendents and teach- 
ers, with the scholars who were church members, went in pro- 
cession to the Presbyterian church, where seats were reserved 
for the respective schools. The superintendents and teachers, 
with scholars of seven diiferent schools, or denominations, par- 



304 ANNALS 01" HARRISBURG. 

ticipated, viz : the Methodist, Lutheran, (English and German,) 
Presbyterian, German Reformed, Bethel, and United Brethren. 
Ten clergymen oflELciated on the occasion. As near as could be 
ascertained, three hundred joined in communion. The side 
pews and galleries were crowded with spectators. 

A correspondent of the "Philadelphia Sunday School Jour- 
nal," of November, 1855, who participated in this communion, 
wrote as follows : 

'' Our meeting was one of deep and solemn interest. Our 
pastors themselves were deeply moved. No one present will 
ever forget the occasion. When the last hymn was, sung, the 
pastors and communicants rose. It was a sublime spectacle to 
witness ten ministers standing in front and three hundred labo- 
rers in the Sabbath schools, each with their token in their hands, 
and to all human appearance, singing from their inmost soul 
the appropriate words of the hymn, commencing : 
' Witness ye men and angels now, 

Before the Lord we speak ; 
To Him we make our solemn vow, 

A vow we dare not break: 
That long as life itself shall last, 
Ourselves to Christ we yield ; 
Nor from his cause will we depart, 
Or ever quit the field.' 
Many were moved to tears, and every heart seemed to heave 
with deep emotion." 

The communion continues to be held regularly on the last 
Sabbath of April, in every year, in the churches of the borough, 
alternately. 



The " Young Men's Christian Association " was insti- 
tuted December 12, 1854. Its objects are, according to article 
fifth of its constitution, to seek out young men taking up their 
residence in Harrisburg, and the vicinity, and endeavor to bring 
them under moral and religious influence, by aiding them in the 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 305 

selection of suitable boarding bouses and employment ; by in- 
troducing tbem to tbe members and privileges of tbis associa- 
tion ; by securing tbeir attendance at some place of worship on 
tbe Sabbatb ; and, by every means in their power, to surround 
them with christian influences. 

The rooms of the association are on the second story of Kel- 
ker's building, corner of Market street and Eiver alley. They 
are handsomely fitted up, and contain two book cases with several 
hundred volumes of a religious and miscellaneous character. 
Members can have access to them day and night. 

The regular meetings of the association are held on the sec- 
ond Tuesday evening of each mouth, for the proposal and elec- 
tion of new members ; for the promotion of social and religious 
intercourse; and for the reception and consideration of such 
information as may advance the welfare of the association. 

Officers in 1858 : 

H. Murray Grraydon, President; Rev. Charles A. Hay, (Lu- 
theran,) J. F. Seller, (Presbyterian,) Rev. 11. A. Castleman, 
(Episcopalian,) J. Wesley Awl, (Methodist,) Rev. William 
Mooney, (Church of God,) R. F. Kelker, (G-erman Reformed,) 
Yice Presidents; Chas. Conner, Recording Secretary; J. W. 
Simonton, Corresponding Secretary; Jeremiah Uhler, Trea- 
surer; Robert M'Elwee, Librarian; A. W. Young, (Metho- 
dist,) H. C. Fahnestock, (Presbyterian,) E. S. German, (Lu- 
theran,) Charles Connor, (Episcopalian,) H. A. Kelker, (German 
Reformed,) George Cunkle, (Baptist,) Managers. 



Young Men's Home Mission. — At a prayer meeting held 
by the young men attached to the Methodist Episcopal church 
in 1857, Mi\ B. J. Harris proposed and advocated the organi- 
zation of a Home Missionary society. The proposition receiving 
the favorable support of those present, a committee, consisting 
of Messrs. B. J. Harris, Reid, Nichols and Carman, was ap- 

39 



306 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

pointed to wait upon the members of the church, and others, 
to procure subscriptions for the support of the enterprise. The 
terms of membership were one dollar. The committee in a 
short time procured nearly one hundred dollars in subscriptions. 

On the evening of Wednesday, September 16, 1857, a public 
meeting of those favorable to the project was held in the lecture 
room of the Methodist church, when the society was organized 
under the title of the " Young Men's Home Mission of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, for the borough and suberbs of 
Harrisburg,'^ and the following officers elected : 

Rev. D. W. Bartine, President; James Porter, Vice Presi- 
dent; John W. Pteid, Corresponding Secretary; S. H. Ettla, 
Recording Secretary; Augustus Sayford, Treasurer. 

At a subsequent meeting a constitution and by-laws were 
adopted, and a committee appointed to select a suitable place 
for commencing the operations of the society. This committee 
suggested the lower end of the borough. Accordingly a room 
was procured in that section, and on Sunday morning the 4th 
of October, 1857, a Sabbath school was opened with the at- 
tendance of two male and two female scholars, under the direc- 
tion of Mr. B, J. Harris. The school increased rapidly, and a 
more commodious room was procured in Second street, between 
Washington avenue and Vine street, which it now occupies. 

The regular services held in the mission room are, preaching 
every Sabbath evening ; Sabbath school morning and afternoon ; 
prayer meetings on Tuesday evenings ; and class meetings on 
Friday evenings. Rev. J. C. Young officiates as pastor to those 
who worship here. 

A sewing society has been formed by the female members of 
the mission, by which means the poor and needy are clothed 
and properly cared for. 

The mission has distributed about sis hundred pages of tracts. 
The average number of scholars attending the school is about 
one hundred, who are supplied with twenty-three teachers. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 307 

The success wliicli attended the opening of this school in- 
duced the mission, in the summer of 1858, to open another 
school in the northern part of the borough, under the superin- 
tendence of Mr. Elijah Wise, This school per last report 
numbers sixty scholars and fifteen teachers. Prayer meetings 
are held in the school room every Saturday evening. 

The limited accommodations afforded by leasing rooms in pri- 
vate residences, induced the mission last summer to commence 
the construction of two capacious frame buildings, to be spe- 
cially devoted to the purposes of the mission. One of these 
buildings is erected on a lot at the corner of Vine street and 
River alley, purchased by the church for $1,200, and the other 
on a lot in West Harrisburg, fronting the river, donated by 
Mr. William K. Verbeke. The estimated cost of the two 
buildings is $1,800. They will be occupied in January, 1859. 



The Episcopal Sunday School Mission was organized in 
November, 1857. In the summer of 1858 the mission con- 
structed a beautiful frame building on a lot at the north side of 
the reservoir, which, together, cost about $1,000. The school 
is well attended. In October, 1858, the school was under the 
superintendency of R. A. Lamberton, Esq. 



Lutheran Sunday School Mission. — An organization 
with the above title, whose objects are similar to the former 
mission, erected a beautiful frame building at the corner of State 
and High streets, at a cost of about six hundred dollars, which 
was duly dedicated to Divine worship and Sabbath school pur- 
poses in the spring of 1858. The average number of scholars 
who attend the school is about one hundred. The following were 
the officers of the mission in October, 1858 : Superintendent, 
Mr. Eby»Byers; Assistant Superintendent, Samuel Holman, 



308 ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 

Jr.; Treasurer, Wm. Duncan; Librarian, Wm. A. Parkhill; 
Assistant Librarian, D. L. Duncan. 

CLUBS AND LIBRARIES. 

Aerial Club — Instituted in July, 1856. Occupy a room 
in Odd Fellows' Hall, Second street, above Pine street. Owns 
a library of about three hundred volumes. Officers in 1858 — 
President, William Seiler; Secretary and Treasurer — John 6. 
Wiestlino;. 



Flash Boat Club — Instituted in August, 1856. Owns a 
swift and handsome row-boat for eight oars, purchased in Phila- 
delphia. The boat-house of the club is situated on the river 
shore at the south end of the abutment of the Harrisburg 
bridge. Officers in 1858 — President and Coxswain, William 
Seiler; Secretary and Treasurer, T. Eockhill Smith. 



Washington Library. — This association was organized on 
the twenty-second of February, 1857, and occupy a large and 
handsomely furnished room in the third story of Stehley's build- 
ing, in North Third street. Being young men of ability and 
enterprise they have already, by their own exertions, secured a 
fine library of over five hundred volumes, which is rapidly in- 
creasing. The association is in a very flourishing condition. — 
Officers in 1858 — S. H. Colestock, President; J. S. Boyer, 
Secretary: Wm. S. Buch, Treasurer. 



German Literary Society — Instituted July 12, 1858. — ■ 
Occupy a room at the residence of Mr. Opperman, in Paxton 
street. Regular meetings of the Society are held once every 
month. Works of the best authors are placed in the library 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 309 

formed for the use of the members. Ofl&eers in October, 1858 — 
President, Charles Meyer; Secretary, Charles Eosanowski; 
Treasurer, Adam Erb; Librarians, Messrs. J. Kehr and J. 
Reichert. 

MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 

The "Eintracht." — Instituted July 4, 1854. Has up- 
wards of forty-five members. Object, to promote the culture 
of music. Meets on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, in the 
second story of Koenig's new building in Chesnut street, between 
Second and Third streets. Officers in October, 1858 : — H. 
Meyer, President ; Adam Knebler, Vice President; F. Geb- 
ert, Secretary ; B. Pehleisen, Librarian ; J. Weiss, Treasurer ; 
F. W. Haas, Leader. 



The Harmonic Society op Harrisburg. — Instituted in 
1858. Meets once every week in Haldeman's building, corner 
of Walnut street and River alley. The society has given sev- 
eral concerts in public, which gave general satisfaction. The 
Daily Telegraph of October 29, 1858, in alluding to this society 
says : — " The '■ Harmonic ' society do not propose to appear in 
public hereafter. They will, however, offer to subscribing mem- 
bers frequent opportunities of listening to and enjoying the 
performances of the society — probably opening their room for 
that purpose at least once in four weeks, or oftener if found 
desirable or necessary. These meetings, divested of the for- 
mality and stiffness usually attending public concerts, will con- 
sequently be far more pleasant and enjoyable for all parties- 
will, in fact, partake of the character of musical soirees. The 
following extract from the by-laws of the society will sufiice to 
make known the terms of admission to these pleasant musical 
re-unions, viz : ^ Any person may become a subscribing member 
of this society upon payment of three dollars annually into its 
treasury.' Opportunity will be afforded the public of becoming 



3:10 ANNALS OP HAURISBURG. 

'subscribing members/ on application made to any of tbe 
active members. For the information of persons desiring 
to become active members, we will state that the terms are two 
dollars per annum for gentlemen. Ladies free." 

Ofl&cers of the society in October, 1858 : — David Haynes, 
President; W. A. Tarbutton, Vice President; H. C. Fahne- 
stock, Secretary; D. A. Kepner, Treasurer ; S. Ward, Conduc- 
tor; J. D. Greenawalt, Albert Hummel, F. Asbury Awl, Ex- 
ecutive Committee; W. Knoche, Pianist. 



The Liederkrantz. — Instituted June 26, 1858. Has be- 
tween thirty and forty members. Meets every Monday and 
Thursday evening in Robeck's building, Third street. Officers 
in October, 1858: — Henry Slep, President; J. Miller, Vice 
President; Charles Neeb, Secretary; J. Dinger, Treasurer; 
Charles Miller, Librarian; Alfred Teupser, Leader. 



Saxonian Brass and String Band. — Meets for exercise 
three times a week in Brant's Hall. Officers in 1858 : — Chas. 
F. Volmer, President ; William Weber, Leader. 



State Capitol Brass Band. — Meets for exercise on the 
fourth story of Cunkle's building, Market street. Samuel 
Brumbaugh, President and Leader, 

BENEVOLENT "AND BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS. 
Free Masons. — Masonry in Harrisburg occupies the posi- 
tion which some of its adherents claim that it holds in regard 
to the world — coeval with its first inhabitants, before the organi- 
zation of its government. Hence all Masonic documents date 
4000 years older than the Christian Era. Perseverance 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 311 

Lodge, No. 21, of free and accepted Masons, ante-dates the or- 
ganization of our borough and county several years, as appears 
by the old parchment charter, yet in pretty good preservation, 
in the lodge; a copy of which is here inserted: 

WILLIAM ADCOCK, Grand Master. 
L. S. "^ JONATHAN BAYARD SMITH, B. G. Master. 



JOSEPH DEAN, S. Grand Warden. 
GEORGE ORD, J. Grand Warden. 

To all wJiom it may concern : 

The Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable frater- 
nity of free and accepted Masons (according to the old consti- 
tutions, revised by His Royal Highness Prince Edwin at York, 
in the Kingdom of England, in the year of the Christian Era 
926 and in the year of Masonry 4926) in ample form assembled 
at Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, SEND GREET- 
ING: 

Whereas, The Right .Worshipful Grand Lodge of England 
did, by a Grand Warrant, under the hands of the Right Hon- 
orable Thomas Erskine, Earl Kelly, Viscount Fenton, Lord 
Baron of Pitton Weem, &c., in Great Britain, Grand Master of 
Masons; the Right Worshipful William Osborne, D. Grand 
Master; the R. W. M. William Dickey, Senior Grand Warden; 
the R. W. James Gibson, Esq., Junior Grand Warden, and the 
seal of the said Grand Lodge, bearing date June 20, 1764 — A. 
M. 5764, nominate, constitute and appoint the Right Worship- 
ful William Ball to be Grand Master; the R. W. Captain 
Blaithwaite Jones, Deputy Grand Master; the R. W. M. David 
Hall, S. G. Warden; the R. W. M. Hugh Lenox, J. G. War- 
den, of a provincial Grand Lodge, to be held at Philadelphia, 
for the province of Pennsylvania, granting to them and their 
successors in office duly elected, and lawfully installed, with the 
consent of the members of the said Grand Lodge, full power 
and authority to grant warrants and dispensations for holding 
lodges, to regulate all matters appertaining to Masonry, and to 



312 ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 

do and perform all and every other act and thing whicli could 
be usually done and performed by other Grand Lodges, as by 
the said above in part recited G-rand Warrant, reference being 
thereto had, may more fully and at large appear. 

And whereas, The Eight Worshipful William Adcock, Esq., 
Grand Master; the Right Worshipful Mr. Alexander Ruther- 
ford, Deputy G. Master ; the Right Worshipful Jonathan Bay- 
ard Smith, Esq., Senior Grand Warden; the Right Worship- 
ful Mr. Joseph Dean, Junior Grand Warden, legal successors of 
the above named Grand Officers, as by the Grand Lodge Books 
may appear, together with the officers and representatives of a 
number of regular lodges, under the jurisdiction, duly appoint- 
ed and specially authorized, as also by and with the advice and 
consent of several other lodges, by their letters expressed, did, 
at a Grand Quarterly Communication, held in the grand lodge 
room, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 25th day of Septem- 
ber A. C. 1786, after mature and serious deliberation, unani- 
mously resolve, " That it is improper the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania should remain any longer under the authority of any 
foreign Grand Lodge;" and the said Grand Lodge did there- 
upon close sine die. 

And whereas, All the grand officers of the said late Pro- 
vincial Grand Lodge, together with the officers and representa- 
tives of a number of lodges of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania, did, on the said 25th day of September, 1786, meet in 
the room of the late Provincial Grand Lodge, and according to 
the powers and authorities to them entrusted, did form them- 
selves into a grand convention of Masons to deliberate on the 
proper methods of forming a grand lodge totally independent 
from all foreign jurisdiction. 

And whereas, The said grand convention did then and there 
unanimously resolve, that the lodges under the jurisdiction of 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, aforesaid, lately held as a 
Provincial Grand Lodge, under the authority of the Grand 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 313 

Lodge of England, should, and they then did, form themselves 
into a grand lodge to be called ' The Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereto belonging/ to be held 
in the said city of Philadelphia, as by the records and proceed- 
ings of the said convention, remaining among the archives of 
the grand lodge aforesaid, may more fully appear. 

And whereas, By a warrant bearing date the 4th day of Oc- 
tober, A. D., 1779, and of Masonry, 5779, under the hands of 
William Ball, Grand Master, John Hood, D. G. Master, Wil- 
liam Shute, S. Warden, and John Hovrard, J. Warden, and the 
seal of the late Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the following 
brethren, to wit : The Worshipful Col. Matthew Smith, Master, 
William Boyd, Senior Warden, William M'CuUough, Junior 
Warden, with their lawful assistants, were authorized and ap- 
pointed to hold a lodge of free and accepted Masons at Lower 
Paxton township, Lancaster county, and State of Pennsylvania, 
number 21. And the said lodge, when duly congregated, to 
admit, enter, and make Masons, according to the ancient and 
honorable custom of the royal craft in all ages and nations 
throughout the known world. And also with the further right, 
privilege, and authority, to nominate, choose and instal their 
successors, and them to invest in the like power, authority and 
dignity, to nominate, choose and instal their successors forever, 
as by the said warrant, reference being had, may appear. 

And lohereas, The said warrant hath been surrendered up to 
US, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic jurisdiction 
thereunto belonging, by the present officers and brethren of said 
Lodge number 21, praying that the same may be renewed un- 
der the authority of this Grand Lodge : Now knoio ye, That 
we, ''The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdic- 
tion thereunto belonging," by virtue of the powers and authori- 
ties vested in us, by the said Grand Convention, do hereby re- 
new and confirm to our trusty and well beloved brethren, to 
wit : the Worshipful William Boyd, Master; James Rutherford, 

40 



314 ANNALS OP HARRISBUKG. 

Senior Warden, and Major John Gilclirist, Junior Warden, and 
the other regular members of the said Lodge No. 21 of Ancient 
York Masons, and to their true and lawful successors for ever, 
all the Masonic rights, privileges, authority, jurisdiction, and 
pre-eminence, which by their said original warrant hereinbefore 
mentioned, and in part recited, they are or may be in any man- 
ner or way entitled to hold and enjoy. Provided always, That 
the above named brethren and members of the said Lodge, and 
their successors, continue, at all times, to pay due respect and 
obedience to this Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, agreeably to 
the rules and ordinances, lawfully made, or to be made, for the 
benefit of Masonry, and the advancement of our royal craft; 
otherwise this Warrant to be of no force or virtue. 

Given in open Grand Lodge, under the hands of our Right 
Worshipful Grand Officers, and the seal of our Grand Lodge, 
at Philadelphia, this fifteenth day of March, A. C. 1787, and 
of Masonry 5787. 

ATHERTON HUMPHREYS, Grand Secretary. 

Under this warrant the Lodge was held in a school house, and 
afterwards in the dwelling house of one of the officers, some 
three miles from where Harrisburg now stands; where many of 
the more intelligent and respectable of the inhabitants of the 
then sparsely settled country joined, and met as brethren of the 
mystic tie. There ai'e yet extant among the older masons, and 
the descendants of those pioneers, many interesting and amus- 
ing incidents and reminiscences, connected with their monthly 
meetings. One of these, regarded by the craft as highly hon- 
orable to the noble and hospitable wife of one of the then offi- 
cers of the lodge, is here narrated as we have heard it. 

The lodge convened at the house of the Master- — a log build- 
ing, two stories in height, on the one side of which was a lean- 
to, or kitchen; a place of all work, &c. While the lodge was 
sitting in the upper room, next the kitchen, the wife of the 
Master, as was her usual custom, was engaged in the kitchen 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 815 

preparing some nice cooking for sucli of the brethren as tarried 
latest— the more particular and intimate friends of her husband. 
Thus engaged, she thought it no harm to remove a little of the 
mortar between the logs, that she might occasionally look in and 
listen to what was doing in the lodge. She did so; and became 
so deeply interested that she remained at her point of observa- 
tion so long as to be discovered by some person from without, 
through whom the fact became known as well to the neighbor- 
hood as to the brethren; exciting the surprise and curiosity of 
the one, and the amusement of the other; both, however, anxious 
to learn from her what she saw and heard. But she was the 
true wife of a true Mason, and had, in regard to this at least, 
"the faithful breast and the silent tongue." No one, not even 
her husband, could ever obtain from her any information of what 
she saw or heard. To all others inquiring, she would reply, "If 
you are a Mason, you don't want me to tell you; if you are not 
a Mason, you have no right to know any thing about it; you 
can't learn any thing from me. There was nothing bad ; for my 
husband is a Mason, and was there." 

After Harrisburg was laid out as a town, and somewhat built, 
the place of meeting of the lodge was changed to the town, 
where its meetings have since been regularly held, except from 
1828 to 1841, when its labors were suspended in deference to 
public opinion, which in this part of the State, was at that time 
hostile to secret societies, It is said, by the Masons of the pre- 
sent day, that "the opposition of that time but tested the integ- 
rity of its members and the real strength and value of the in- 
stitution ; lopped off its barren or rotten branches, and prepared 
it, like the oak of the forest, after bending beneath the storm, 
to rise invigorated and strengthened to flourish and spread more 
widely than ever." 

In July, 1818, a Mark Master's Lodge was opened here, of 
which the Hon. Daniel Scott, then President Judge, was the 
master. In December, 1818, a Royal Arch Chapter was open- 



316 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

ed, William Grreer being the High Priest. By Webb's Masonic 
Monitor, published in 1816, it appears that in 1797 an Encamp- 
ment of Knights Templar existed in Harrisburg. The craft 
here now have no lecords of it. In 1827 an Encampment of 
Knights Templar was opened here, under an authority from De 
Witt Clinton, then Grand Master of Christian Chivalric Knight- 
hood in the United States. Of this body, Eev. Gregory E. 
Bodell, Rev. J. B. Clemson, Rev. James De Pui, John Neil- 
son, and John De Pui were officers. All these branches of the 
Masonic body suspended their work during the period above 
named. 

In 1842 the Lodge and Chapter were both re-constituted and 
re-opened — Benjamin Parke being elected Master and High 
Priest. Since then Masonry, in Harrisburg, in all its branches, 
has been highly prosperous. In the Masonic Register, for 1858, 
Perseverance Lodge, Harrisburg, ranks as the third of the work- 
ing lodges in the State, now numbering three hundred and 
twelve, and Perseverance Chapter as the second of working 
chapters, now numbering one hundred and eighty-seven. The 
number of Masons under the jurisdiction of this lodge, is said 
to be over two hundred ; the number in the State some fifteen 
thousand. 

The following are the Masonic bodies now in operation in 
Harrisburg, their officers in October, 1858, and their times and 
place of meeting: 

Perseverance H. R. A. Chapter, No. 21, meets on the first 
Monday in each month, at Masonic Hall, (formerly Wyeth's,) 
corner of Market street and Raspberry alley, next to the Court 
House. Officers in October, 1858 :— H. P., Wm. T. Bishop; 
K., B. R. Waugh; S., C. F. Muench; Treasurer, William H. 
Kepner; Sec, A. W. Young. 

Past High Priests: — Benjamin Parke, R. A. Lamberton. 

Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, meets on the second Monday in 
each month, at the same place. Officers in October, 1858 :— 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



317 



W. M., Robert L. Muench; S. W., E. A. Hassler; J. W., B. 
R. Waugh; Treas., C. F. Muench; Sec, Geo. F. Weaver. 

Past Masters: — Henry Beader, C. F. Muench, Benj. Parke, 
J. J. Clyde, John H. Berryhill, R. A. Lamberton, John Wal- 
lower, Jr., W. T. Bishop, T. J. Jordan. 

Parke Encampment of Knights Templar, No. 11, meets on 
the Friday next after the second Monday of each month, at the 
same place. 

Council of Royal and Silent Masters, meets third Monday in 
each month, at the same place. 

Harrisburg Lodge, No. 28, (colored). — J. F. Yv^illiaffis, W. 
M.; C. H. Yance, S. R., meets in Masonic Hall, Tanner's alley. 

Nehemiah Lodge, No. 16, (colored). — Meets at the same place. 

Prince Edward Lodge, (colored). — Meets at the same place. 



I. 0. OF 0. F. — The first Lodge, in Harrisburg, of this great 
and useful fraternity, was established in 1841. There are here 
now three very flourishing Lodges and two Encampments, with 
an active membership of five hundred and nineteen. Much 
good has resulted from the operations of Odd Fellowship in our 
midst. Apart from other good offices done by its members as 
such, they have distributed over twenty thousand dollars, during 
the past seventeen years, for the relief of the sick and distressed, 
and the burial of the dead. 

It is a constitutional requirement, that ''no person is entitled 
to admission to the Order except free white males, of good moral 
character, who have arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and 
who believe in the Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver 
of the Universe. 

After a member of a lodge has obtained a sufiicient number 
of degrees, and is found to be worthy, he can be admitted to 
the Encampment branch of the Order. 

Every Lodge and Encampment in the State are respectively 
subordinate to the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of 



818 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Pennsylvania, and these are under the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. 

The principal officers, in every Lodge and Encampment, are 
elected by the members, and serve for six months; in the Grand 
Lodge and Grand Encampment they are elected by the past 
chief officers, (who vote in their respective subordinate bodies,) 
and serve for one year. 

During the last year our townsman, R. A. Lamberton, was 
the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, he 
having previously served one year as Dep. G. M., and a like 
period as G. Warden. 

Since the organization of Lodges in Dauphin county, the fol- 
lowing gentlemen have held the position of District Dep. G. 
Masters : — William Duncan, James B. Ruple, George V. Zeig- 
ler, John J. Clyde, U. A. Lamberton, Amos W. Young, Wm. 
D. Earnest, present D. D. G. M. 

Harrhhurg Lodge, No. 68, was instituted August 16, 1841, 
by John Y. Brown, Esq., Grand Master, who installed the fol- 
lowing officers: — N. G., George V. Zeigler; V. G., William 
Good; S., Joseph Pilkinton; A. S., James N. Hoffman; T., 
William Duncan. Officers of the Lodge in October, 1858 : — 
N. Gr., Andrew Schlayer; V. G., Andrew J. Herr; S., Amos 
W. Young; A. S., Samuel Pass; T., John J. Osier. The num- 
ber of active members — one hundred and twenty-eight. Meet- 
ing every Wednesday night, at the Exchange. 

Stale Capital Lodge, No. 70, was instituted December 27, 
1841, by John Y. Brown, Grand Master, and the following offi- 
cers were then installed: — N. G., Joseph W. Cake; Y. G., 
John M'Glauchlin; S., William Heis; T., Wm. H. Kepner. 
Officers of the Lodge in October, 1858 : — N, G , Joseph Stro- 
minger; V. G., Thomas Humes; S., William D. Earnest; A. 
S., Josiah Jones; T., William T. Bishop. Number of active 
members at this time — one hundred and eighteen. Meeting 
every Tuesday night, at their Hall^ North Second street. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 319 

Dauphin Lodge, No. 160, was instituted by P. Gr. Sire, Howell 
Hopkins, presiding as Grand Master, who installed tlie follow- 
ing officers: — N. G., Edward A. Lesley; V. G , Samuel Berry; 
S., Daniel E. Wilt; T., John Haldeman; A. S., Levi Wolfinger. 
Officers of the Lodge in October, 1858 : — N. G., Henry Rada- 
baugh; V. G., George W. Blessing; S., Albert J. Eager; A. 
S., Daniel A. Bolt; T., Robert A. Lamberton. Number of 
active members — one hundred and fifty-two Night of meeting, 
Thursday, at the Exchange. 

Subordinate Encampments. — D. D. G. C. P., Jacob M. 
Eyster. 

Dauphin Encampment, No. 10, was instituted January 16, 
1843, by Andrew C. Hewitt, Grand Patriarch, who installed as 
officers:— C. P., George V. Zeigler; H. P. Eby Byers; S. W., 
Samuel Bryan; J. W., Josiah S. Royal ; S. William 0. Hickok; 
T., John J, Osier. Officers in October, 1858 :— C. P., Jacob 
M. Barr, H. P., Alfred Slentz; S. W., Emanuel A. Hassler; 
J. W., Daniel A. Bolt; S., Albert J. Eager; T., John J. Osier. 
Number of active members — sixty-five. Meeting night, first 
and third Friday of every month, at the Exchange. 

Olive Encampment, No. 56, was instituted February 26, 1847, 
by Deputy Grand Patriarch William Duncan, acting as G. P., 
and the following officers were then installed: — C. P., John 
J. Clyde; H. P., Benjamin Kreider; S. W., Samuel Berry; J. 
W., John J. Osier; S , John M'Glaughlin; T., John Irwin. 
Officers in October, 1858: — C. P., Henry Dickman; H. P., 
Samuel Miley; S. W., William Kuhns; J. W., Joseph Stro- 
minger; S., William D. Earnest; T., William T. Bishop. The 
number of active members — fifty-six. Meeting night, first and 
third Wednesdays in every month. 

Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 796, (colored,) meets every Mon- 
day evening in Eby's buildicg, foot of Market street. Has 
about one hundred members. We have no further particulars. 



320 • ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Union Benevolent Society.— This Society, composed en- 
tirely of ladies, was instituted about the year 1820. The 
average amount of funds distributed by it annually, to the in- 
digent of the borough, is about three hundred dollars. Officers 
of the Society in October, 1858 : — President, Miss Sarah Hen- 
derson; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. James W. Weir. 



The Harrisburg Beneficial Society is one of the oldest 
of its kind in the borough. It has about one hundred and 
ninety members, who meet on the last Saturday of every month 
in the lecture room of the English Lutheran Church. Officers 
in 1858: — President, George P. Wiestling; Vice President, 
Thomas Worley; Secretary, John R. Boyd; Treasurer, George 
H. Small; Door-keeper, Isaac Durstine. 



Central Division, No. 10, S. of T., was instituted August 
13, 1844, and incorporated by the Court in 1848. We regret 
to learn that the organization, at present, is not in a very flour- 
ishing condition. It meets in the Hall, owned by the Division, 
at the corner of South and Second streets. Its present officers, 
as far as we can learn, are L. G. Cunkle, W. P.; George P. 
Wiestling, 11. S.; Dr. Heisley, F. S.; John A. Weir, T. 



Fulton Council, No. 35, 0. U. A. M., was instituted Jan- 
uary 11, 1847, with twenty members. Present number of mem- 
bers about one hundred. The Council meets on Monday nights, 
in the upper story of Wyeth's Hall, Market street. Officers in 
October, 1858: — Councillor, Daniel Basore; Vice Councillor, 
George Fry; Recording Secretary, Alfred Slentz ; Assistant 
Recording Secreta.y, David Crawford; Financial Secretary, John 

J. Zimmerman; Instructor, Gould; Examiner, William 

Dehart ; Inside Protector, Edward Pancake ; Outside Protector, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 321 

Jolin Peltz; Treasurer, William J. Lawrence; Trustees, David 
Crawford, James Wright, William WykoflF. The State Coun- 
cil meets in Harrisburg in January of every year. 



GrERMAN BENEFICIAL SOCIETY — Instituted September 26, 
1856. Has upwards of seventy members, and is conducted al- 
most upon the same plan as the Odd Fellows' Lodges. Secrecy, 
however, is not deemed especially important. The dues, which 
each person is required to pay weekly, are merely nominal, but 
the disbursements to sick members are amply sufficient for their 
support. Meetings are held weekly, on every Saturday evening, 
at Wagner's hotel. Officers in October, 1858: — President, P. 
•Meyer; Secretary, John Essig ; Treasurer, Philip Britsch; Sick 
Committee, J. Weiss, Max. Eichroth, L. Weltz. 



Harrisburg Union, No. 21, D. op T., is an organization 
composed of females, designed to promote the cause of temper- 
ance in the borough. It was first instituted February 19, 1846, 
and ihe following named ladies were its charter members : — 
Jane M. Bryan, Mary J. Hummel, Lydia M. Lawrence, Mary 
Martin, Maria Berryhill, Mary Gieger, Harriet A. Fox, Mar- 
garet A. Davis, Mary Wilt, Marianna Beader, Matilda C John, 
Elizabeth Mytinger, Julia Norton, Anna Markley, Sarah Ann 
Fleming, Anna B. Murnane, Mary Putman, Mary Ann Vogle- 
son, Sarah Bostick, Anna Carpenter, Elizabeth Douglas, Eliza- 
beth D. Shoemaker, Eliza Ann Davis, Susanna Wood, Eliza 
Carpenter, Elizabeth Chayne, Maria Mytinger, Fanny H. Awl, 
and Mary Stehley. 

The organization at present numbers about sixty members, 
who meet every Friday evening in the Sons of Temperance Hall, 
Second street 

Officers in October, 1858 : — Presiding Sister, Miss Julia Ann 
Norton ; Associate Sister, Miss Sabina Kelker ; Recording 

41 



322 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Scribe, Mrs. L. M. Lawieace; Financial Scribe, Mrs. Caroline 
Ounkle; Treasurer, Mrs. Susan Foltz ; Conductress, Mrs Eliza 
A. Barr; Guardian, Elizabeth Varnick, 



Good Samaritan Council, (colored) I. 0. of D. T., meets 
in State street, between Fourth and Shoit. We can give no 
additiouai particulars. 



Sa-os-qua-ha-na-unk Tribe, No. 12, I. 0. of K,. M., was 
first instituted in Harrisburg in the lodge year 5610, corres- 
ponding with the year of our Lord 1848. It progressed rapidly 
for a while, but owing to the apathy of its members and finan- 
cial embarrassments it gradually commenced to decline, until the 
year 5615, (1853,) when it suspended altogether 

It was revived again, however, in the year 5617, (1855,) 
und^r very favorable auspices, and is now in a very flourishing 
condition. It is a secret beneficial society. The officers of the 
society in October, 1858, were as follows : — Sachem, Joseph P. 
Miller; Senior Sagamore, Joseph Berrier; Junior Sagamore, 
Jacob Etter; Keeper of Wampum, Joseph H. Bowman; Chief 
of Records, William Kuhn. 



SalExM Lodge, No. 26, I. 0. B. B., (B'nai B'rith,) was or- 
ganized on the 24:th of February, 1856, and at present consists 
of forty members, all Israelites. The order inculcates friend- 
ship and fraternal feeling, gives consolation and grants assist- 
ance to the sick, lends a helping hand to the distressed and those 
that are bowed down with care, dries the tears of the widow and 
the orphan, awakens sympathy for a brother in all the various 
changes and different phases of his life, and tries to ameliorate 
the burden of unpropitious fate. 

The Grand Lodge of New York is the highest tribunal of the 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 323 

order. Salem Lodge, No. 26, is under the jurisdiction of thti 
District Grand Lodge, No 3, at Philadelphia. The election of 
officers is held every six months. The lodge meets every Sun- 
day evening at the Sons of Temperance Hall. 

Officers in October, 1858: — -1). Block, President; J. Low- 
engardt, V. P. ; J. Dinkelspiel, C. ; William Wolf, S. ; H. Hess, 
M. ; S. Rosenthal, I. G. ; N. Adler, 0. G. Es-Presidents of 
the Lodge — Lazarus Bernhard, William Wolf, and Joseph New- 
man. 

A benevolent society, composed of Jewish females, also exists 
in the borough, but we could not obtain any particulars of its 
organization. 

Washington Lodge, No. 107, 1. 0. op G. T., was instituted 
January 28, 1854. Its members are composed of respectable 
males and females, the former over fourteen and the latter over 
sixteen years of age. The initiation fee is fifty cents, and the 
annual dues for male members one dollar and four cents, and for 
female members fifty-two cents, payable quarterly in advance. 
The members derive no pecuniary benefit from the lodge when 
incapacitated from pursuing their regular occupation. The or- 
gation numbers about three hundred members, and is very ser- 
viceable in the cause of temperance. It meets every Thursday 
evening, in the Sons of Temperance Hall, Second street. 

The following is a list of the first officers of the Lodge : — 
William T. Bishop, W. C. T. ; Lydia M. Lawrence, W. V. T. ; 
J. J. Clyde, W. C; William J. Lawrence, W. S. : William 
H. Egle, A S.; Henry Radabaugh, W. F. S.; Jane Meredith, 
W. T.j William P. Coulter, W. M.; J. Isadore Lawrence, D. 
M.; Mary M. Barr, I. G.: Joseph H. Bowman, 0. G.; Martha 
B. Nevin, R. H. S.; Ann E. Barr, L. H. S. Officers in No- 
vember, 1858:— W. C. T., James A. Carman; W. V. T., Jane 
Wyant; W. S , William T. Bishop, Jr.; W. T., Hannah West- 
fall; W. F. S., William T. Bishop; W. A. S., Jennie Mere- 



324 ANNALS OP HAKRISBUKG. 

dith; W. M., Isaac W. Hoffman; W. D. M., Mary C. Kunkle; 
W. I. G., Jennie Croll; W. 0. G., William C. Kurtz; W. R. 
S., Laura F. Lawrence; W. L. S , Agnes M'Marland; W. C, 
La Rue Lamer; Trustees, J. A. Carman, J. M. Barr, George 
H. Morgan; L. J). G. W. C T. and D. T., George H. Morgan ; 
J). J). G. W. C. T., T. L. Tompkinson; G. W. C. T. of the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, J. Hannum Jones. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Old Soldiers' Union.— A Society composed of the survi- 
ving soldiers of the war of 1812, residing in this vicinity, was 
organized in the borough a few years ago, and at present num 
bers about thirty members. The Society has no stated times of 
meeting; but join annually in celebrating the anniversary of 
American Independence, by a public dinner. Officers in 1858 : 
— John Maglaughlin, President; William Allison, George J. 
Heisely, Vice Presidents; David Harris, Secretary; James R. 
Boyd, Treasurer; Andrew Krause, Marshal. 



Harrisburg Building Association was organized in 1857, 
for the purpose of buying land, laying it off into building lots, 
and improving the same for re-sale. The Association, at pre- 
sent, own about ten acres of fine meadow land, adjacent to the 
north-western part of the borough, which they have laid out 
for building purposes. Several lots have already been disposed 
of. Officers in October, 1858 : — President, A. Boyd Hamilton; 
Treasurer, La Rue Metzgar; Secretary, Robert L. Muench; 
Directors, J. Brisben Boyd, John Edwards, Theodore P. Schef- 
fer, Albert Hummel, Eby Byers, David Maeyer, John Cunkle, 
Charles F. Muench, Daniel Eppley. 



Park Association was organized in November, 1855, as 
the constitution declares, " for the making of a course for train- 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 325 

ing horses." The association has leased eighteen acres of land 
about one mile north of Harrisburg, which is inclosed with a 
substantial board fence, about ten feet high. The track within 
the enclosure is circular and one-half a mile in extent. Officers 
of the association in October, 1858 : — President, William F. 
Murray; Secretary, John H. Zeigler; Treasurer, J. C. Bombar- 
ger; Directors, B. Gr. Peters, William H. Kepner, Philip Linn, 
David J. linger, William Metzgar, J. D. HoiFman, John Hoffer, 
P. P. Hffihnlen, Anthony King. 



GrYMNASTic ASSOCIATION. — An Association of this charac- 
ter was instituted in September, 1858, by Messrs. Robert L. 
Muench, James D. Daugherty, II. Koss Roberts and Daniel W. 
Seller. A room sixty-five by twenty-five feet, with a fourteen 
feet ceiling, in the Exchange Building, Walnut street, has been 
leased for a term of years, which has been fitted up at consider- 
able expense for the purposes of the association. The " Portico" 
is complete in every respect, and modeled after the directions of 
J. E. D'Alfonce, Professor in the St. Petersburg and Paris mili- 
tary schools. It, with the other implements of the G-ymnasium, 
were constructed by Mr. Hildrup, of the Harrisburg Car Fac- 
tory. Directors — Robert L. Muench, President; J. D. Daugh- 
erty, Treasurer; R. Ross Roberts, Daniel W. Seller. 



Dauphin G-uard.— -A military company, with the above 
name, was formerly inspected and organized, in Harrisburg, on 
Friday evening, the 19th of November, 1858. A week pre- 
vious to that time seventy-six signatures were appended to the 
constitution of the company. The uniform of the corps is 
similar to that worn by the celebrated Fifth Regiment (National 
Guard) of New York, consisting of gray cloth coat and pants 
striped with black, and a cap of the same material. The officers 
of the company, nominated a week previous to the inspection, 
were, Captain, E. W. Roberts; First Lieutenant, Eby Byers; 
Second Lieutenants^ John H. Zeigler, William H, Miller. 



326 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



BANKS AND SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. 

Harrisburg Bank. — This institution was chartered by the 
Legislature on the 9th of May, 1814, with a capital of $300,000, 
and was regularly organized in the month of June of the same 
year, by the election of t/he following board of directors : — John 
M'Clury, I-aac Hershey, Henry Beader, Kobert Harris, Chris- 
tian Kunkel, John Howard, David Ferguson, William Wallace, 
Jacob M. Haldeman, Thomas Brown, John Shoch, Abraham 
Oves, and Peter Keller William Wallace, Esq., was elected 
president, and John Downey, cashier. Of this organization, 
Mr. Peter Keller is the only surviving member. 

The bank first went into operation at the then residence of 
its cashier, Mr. John Downey, in the building now owned and 
occupied by Dr. E. W. Roberts, in Second street, a few doors 
north-west of Cherry alley. The banking room was in Dr 
Roberts' present office ; and the board of directors usually met 
in the front room on the second story. The bank remained 
there, however, only a few months, when it was removed into 
the brick building at present owned by the Messrs. Kelker, in 
Second street, next door north-west of the residence of Herman 
Alrieks, Esq., where it remained until 1817, when it purchased 
from the Philadelphia Bank the brick building which that com- 
pany had used as a branch, situated at the south-west corner of 
Market Square and Blackberry alley, in which it continued until 
the summer of 1854, when the building was torn down to give 
place to the present elegant structure ; the bank in the mean 
time carrying on its business in the house adjoining, owned by 
Mr. Geiger. 

We append a list of the presidents and cashiers of the bank 
from its first organization to the present day : 

Fresidents. — William Wallace, elected June, 1814 ; Thomas 
Elder, elected June 19, 1816; Jacob M. Haldeman, elected 
May 3, 1853; William M. Kerr, elected December 31, 1856. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



32T 



(Uisliiers. — John Downey, elected June, 1814 ; John Forster, 
elected April 19, 1815; Henry Walters, elected Noverober 25, 
18:^:5; James W. Weir, elected October 30, 1814. 

Directors in November, 1858 : — William M. Kerr, Joseph 
^Vallace, Valentine Hummel, Levi Merkel, Jacob Houser, Wil- 
liiiiii 11 Gorgas, John !> Simon. Edwai'd L. Orth, John W. 
(Jowden, William J. Kobinson, Jacob S. Haldeman, Daniel W. 
Gross, and Henry A Kelker. 

The following named persons are the present clerks of the 
bank : — George H. Small, John A. Weir, H. C. Fahnestock, J. 
Uhler; John Shanklin, messenger. 

The statement of the bank for the month of November, 1858, 
published in pursuance of an act of Assembly, is as follows : 



ASSETS. 



Loans and discounts, 

Stock of the Commonwealth, . 

Specie, ..... 

United States treasury notes, . 

Due by other banks, 

Notes of other banks, 

Stocks, (at present market value,) 
Bonds, " " 

Real estate, . . . • 



$525,389 74 

50,505 00 

107,418 13 

20,000 GO 



$148,763 32 
18,255 00 



167,018 S2 

31,000 00 

6,000 00 

11,600 00 



$918,931 19 



LIABILITIES. 



Circulation, 

Deposits, 

Due to other banks, 



$370,060 00 

181,425 67 

41,640 47 



593,126 14 



328 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



Dauphin Deposite Bank — Chartered about the year 1839. 
The banking house stands at the corner of Market street and 
liasberry alley. It is a neat structure, in the Grecian style, 
built of brick, stuccoed, and painted white to imitate marble. 
The following is a list of the officers of the bank : — President, 
James M'Cormick; Cashier, Robert J. Ross; Clerks, J. M. 
Kreider, N. H. Davis; Messenger, Jacob Miley. 



Mechanics' Saving Bank— Chartered February 8, 1853, 
with a capital of $50,000. The office of the bank is in Market 
street near Third. The following is a list of its present officers : — 
President, Philip Daugherty; Cashier, Jacob C Bombarger; 
Clerks, George Z. Kunkel and M. Daugherty; Messenger, Jacob 
Ettla. 

INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

The State Fire and Marine Insurance Company of 
Pennsylvania. — Capital, $380,000. Incorporated in 1850. 
Office in Market street, near Fourth. Officers in October, 
1858 : — John P. Rutherford, President; A. J. Gillet, Secretary; 
Clerks, William A. Bowdoin, A. J. Foster, James Thompson; 
General Agent, Silas Ward. 



Commonwealth Insurance Company — Chartered capi- 
tal— 1300,000. Incorporated April 12, 1854. Office in Union 
Buildings, Third street. Officers in October, 1858 : — Directors, 
Simon Cameron, George M. Lauman, William Dock, Eli Slifer, 
J. Brisben Boyd, George Bergner, Benjamin Parke, William 
H. Kepner, A. B. Warford, William F. Murray, F. K. Boas, 
J. H. Berryhill, William F. Packer. Officers, Simon Cameron, 
President; Benjamin Parke, Vice President; S. S. Carrier, 
Secretary; Clerks, T. Rockhill Smith and A. F. Small. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 329 

Central Insurance Company. — Capital $200,000. Incor- 
porated April 14, 1851. Office, No. 5 South Market Square. 
Pays interest on deposites of money. Officers in October, 1858 : — 
President, William Colder, Jr.; Vice President, Isaac Gr. M'Kin- 
ley ; Secretary and Treasurer, Thomas H. Willson ; Directors, 
William Colder, Jr., Isaac Gr. M'Kinley, David Mumma, Jr., 
Thomas H. Willson, Elias E. Kinzer, Isaac Mumma, James 
Young, Oliver Bellman, David Fleming, Daniel D. Boas, Wil- 
liam P. Murray, John J. Clyde, George H. Bucher, Levi Matt- 
son, Amos E. Kapp, Theodore D. Greenawalt ; Clerks, William 
J. Lawrence, Wilson. 



Keystone Mutual Life Insurance Company. — Capital 
$100,000. Incorporated in 1850. Office in Front street, near 
Market. Officers in October, 1858 : — Daniel W. Gross, Presi- 
dent; Edward L. Orth, Vice President; John H. Berryhill, 
Corresponding Secretary; David Dasher, Secretary and Treasu- 
rer. 

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The firemen of Harrisburg form an institution highly use- 
ful and philanthropic, and those who belong to it are "Always 
Ready" to expose their health and lives ^^pro hono puhlico," 
employing, in their voluntary mission, a constant energy and 
a devotion often heroic, meriting the sympathies of all good 
citizens and a high place in public opinion. 

The present efficient method of subduing conflagrations in 
the borough, bears an aspect quite different from the early doings 
in such cases. Before hose and hydrants were introduced, and 
only pumps and buckets to keep the engines supplied, the scene 
was much more animating than now. There were then few or 
no idlers among the spectators. They made long lines of people 
to "pass the buckets;" and if there were any indolent lookers- 

41 



330 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

on, the cry was raised along the line "fall in/' "fall in." If 
the summons was disregarded, perhaps a bucket of water was 
discharged upon the delinquents. Then it was quite common 
to see women in the ranks ; and it was, therefore, the worse pro- 
voking to see others, of the opposite sex, giving no help, but 
urging their way as near to the fires as they could. Next day 
was a fine time for the boys to look out all the buckets they 
knew of belonging to their several neighbors, and carry them 
home. The street posts, too, could be seen capped, here and 
there, with a stray bucket asking for its owner. These buckets 
were made of leather, and had the owner's name or initials 
painted on the outside. Householders, generally, had them 
hanging in the entrys of their residences. 

The compiler has not been able to determine, with any de- 
gree of accuracy, at what period the borough was first supplied 
with a fire engine. At the fire which partially destroyed the 
residence of Mr. James Sawyer, in Locust street, on Friday, the 
25th of November, 1796, no mention is made of a fire engine; 
and Mr. Sawyer publicly returned his thanks to the " citizens 
(men and women) for their spirited exertions in extinguishing 
the flames." 

Nor were there any fire apparatus here as late as March 8, 
1797, as we judge by the following extract from the " Oracle 
of Dauphin," of March 16 th, of that year : 

"Hakrisbukg, March 8, 1797. 
At a meeting of the Harrisburg Free Debating Society, held 
this evening, Rev. Henry Moeller in the Chair, the question, 
'■ What can be proposed, which, if carried into efi"ect, would be 
most beneficial to Harrisburg T was put, and after an agreeable 
discussion, it was unanimously agreed ' That the making an in- 
let for boats, the erecting of wind-mills for grinding corn, the 
procuring a fire engine, and establishing a town watch, would 
be highly beneficial to Harrisburg, and might easily be carried 
into effect.' JOHN BROWNE, Secretary" 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 331 

At the fire which broke out in the building occupied by Mr. 
William Porter as a cold nail factory, situated on the river bank, 
on Monday night, the 19th of February, 1798, no direct men- 
tion is made of a fire engine being used ; but Mr. Porter, in 
publicly thanking the ladies and gentlemen for their assistance 
on that occasion, expresses his willingness to contribute his " part 
towards procuring another engine /' hence we reasonably infer 
that at this period there was at least one engine in the borough. 

This was, most probably, the "■ Union," it being, according 
to tradition, the first fire apparatus in the borough. The " Union 
Fire Company" was dissolved about twenty or twenty-five years 
ago, and its apparatus, through disuse and neglect, was ruined 
beyond redemption. Messrs. Robert Sloan and Frederick Heise- 
ley were directors, and George Capp secretary of the company 
in 1824. 

The following Ordinance of the Town Council, passed July 
13, 1813, will give the reader an idea of the state of the fire 
department at that period : 

An Act for the prevention of fires within the borough of Har- 
risburg : 

Section 1. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the bor- 
ough of Harrisburg , and it is hereby ordained by the authority 
of the same, That it shall be the duty of every householder re- 
siding within the limits of the borough, either as owner, tenant 
or occupier, forthwith to join and become a member of the fire 
company to which his district belongs, and for neglect or refusal 
thereof, he shall forfeit and pay one dollar each month so ne- 
glected or refused, td be recovered in the manner hereinafter 
provided for the recovery of fines. 

Sec. 11. Andbeit further ordained, That every householder 
residing within the borough, whether male or female, either as 
owner, tenant or occupier, shall within ninety days after the 
newspaper promulgation of this ordinance, provide at least one 
leathern bucket for each and every story of the house by him 



332 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

or her so occupied, under penalty of one dollar for each month's 
neglect thereof, and in case such occupier is a tenant, he, she or 
they, shall provide the same at the expense of the landlord or 
owner, and the reasonable cost thereof shall be deducted out of 
their rent respectively. 

Sec. IV. And be it further ordamed, That for the purpose 
of establishing fire companies, the borough is hereby divided 
into two districts, to be called the Northern and Southern dis- 
tricts, the centre of Market street being the division, and that 
each company shall have power to form their own by-laws, and 
fix any fines or amercements for the contravention of such of 
their laws as are not incompatible with the constitution and 
laws of Pennsylvania, or of this borough, and that any fines or 
forfeitures so fixed shall be recoverable before the chief or as- 
sistant burgess for the uses in such by-laws expressed. 

By order of the Council. 

JACOB BUCHER, President. 
John Kean, Town Clerk. 

It would appear by the above that at this period there were 
but tioo fire companies in the borough — one for the Southern 
and one for the Northern district. These were the '^ Union" 
and "Friendship" companies. In the newspapers printed here, 
however, at this period, we see the advertisements for meetings 
of the "North Ward Fire Company ;" by which name, we pre- 
sume, one of the above mentioned companies, situated in that 
ward, was sometimes called. 

The following is a brief history of the several fire companies 
at present existing in the borough, in the order of their organ- 
ization. 



The Friendship Fire Company. — This efficient company 
may be termed the patriarch of the present fire department in 
the borough, having been instituted previous to the year 1803, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 333 

and shortly after the organization of the Union Fire Company, 
although its oldest constitution only dates as far back as August 
11, 1812. 

The earliest document in the possession of the company is 
what purports to be a list of "sundry members of the Friend- 
ship Fire Company who are indebted the sums annexed to their 
names respectively, the account being down to the yearly meet- 
ing, November 7, 1809, including said meeting." The list is 
attested by James Maginnis, Secretary. The first debtor on the 
list is Thomas Ridge, and the amount of his indebtedness was 
as follows : 

"1803, August 1. — To sundry fines, . . . 10 shillings. 

1804, August 7, " " .... 11 shillings. 

1808, Febr'y 2, " " .... 3 shillings." 

Messrs. Samuel Pool, Michael Krell, Albright Weaver, John 
Krepp, Isaiah M'Farland, and Patrick Burk, were also debtors 
to the company at this period. The indebtedness arose from 
tax and fines. 

"Messrs. Sawyer, Glass, Brua, Norton, Dorsheimer, man- 
agers of the company, and the secretary, met at the house of 
John Norton, February 9, 1808, for the purpose of holding an 
appeal ; whereat B. Kurtz appealed ten shillings ; Mr. George, 
five shillings ; Mr. Laberty, five shillings; Mr. Glass, five shil- 
lings; and Mr. Dorsheimer, one shilling; whereupon, it was 
agreed that Mr. Goodman should give every one that is indebted 
to the company a call for the pay ; and them that don't pay shall 
be sued." — Mamiscript minutes of managers, Feb. 9, 1808. 

Among the names of the members of the company in 1808, 
we recognize many of those whose descendants still reside in 
the borough. These are, Messrs. John Zinn, Samuel Pool, 
Abraham Rupley, Andrew Berryhill, Moses Gillmore, John My- 
tinger, Joseph Young, Samuel Bryan, Christian Stahl, John 
Forster,* James Brown, Samuel Black, Dr. Hall, Dr. Cleave- 
land, Peter Keller,* Joseph Doll, James Sawyers, Frederick 



334 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

Felty, George Boyer, Jacob Boas, John Wyeth, John Wingerd, 
Jacob Zeigler,* Gi-eorge Roberts, and Benj. Bowman, secretary. 

Obed Fahnestock was president of the company in 1812, and 
Christian Gleim secretary and treasurer in 1813. In 1818, 
Abram Bombaugh was the treasurer, who was succeeded in 1819 
by Obed Fahnestock. Jacob Seller was secretary of the com- 
pany in 1827. 

From this period we can find no records of the company until 
1848, when it adopted a new constitution, and in many respects 
increased its efficiency. 

The first hose carriage of the company was purchased a short 
time after the introduction of water into the borough. The old 
engine being too limited in its capacity, and its wood work par- 
tially rotten, the company applied for and obtained the old 
" Harrisburg" engine, which belonged to a company of that 
name formerly esisting in the borough. This was used by the 
company for several years, when it was found defective, and was 
then abandoned. 

The company was then granted the use of the "United 
States" — a powerful second-class engine, formerly used by a com- 
pany of that name in Middletown, but owned by Judge W. F. 
Murray, who had it brought here for sale. The Town Council, 
however, refused to buy it, and in lieu thereof purchased in 
Philadelphia the splendid second-class engine at present in the 
service of the company. 

The apparatus of the company is in excellent condition, and 
of the most effective character. The members are composed of 
young and respectable mechanics, who, when duty calls, are ever 
among the first to respond. 

The building owned by the company stands directly on the 
bank of the river, above Market street. It is a neat frame struc- 
ture, two stories high, but has been found to be entirely too 
small for its purposes ; and the Town Council contemplate erect- 

* Still living in the borough. 



ANNALS OP HABRISBURG. 335 

ing a new one of brick, corresponding with those occupied by 
the other companies. 

Officers of the company in October, 1858 : — President, Harry 
C. Shaffer; Vice President, Henry M'Gowen, Jr.; Secretary, 
David K. Rudy ; Treasurer, Andrew Schlayer ; Directors, Henry 
Eose, Joseph Barger, Jacob Etter, Jacob Rohrer, J. C Vogle- 
song, W. Gibson, G. M. Booth, Samuel Davis; Inspectors, H. 
Soloman, J. Schlayer, A. Stees, J. Newman, C. Weaver ; Chief 
Engineer, William Haehnlen ; Assistant Engineer, Joseph Ber- 



The Hope Hose and Engine Company. — This association 
was instituted on the 6th day of January, 1814, and was the 
third of its kind organized after the town was laid out. Its co- 
temporaries were the " Union" and *' Friendship." Captain 
Thomas Walker was the first vice president of the company, and 
the late Hon. John C. Bucher held that office in 1819. In 
1823, Mr. Bucher was president, and in the year following 
Henry Buehler was secretary of the company. Joseph Wallace, 
Henry Antes, Dr. Heisely, Dr. Orth, and other prominent citi- 
zens were at one time members of the company. 

The long time which has elapsed since its first organization, 
and the number of changes in the affairs of the company, render 
it extremely difficult to obtain any considerable knowledge of its 
early history. We know, however, that the first engine of the 
company was manufactured in Philadelphia by the celebrated 
Pat Lyon- — him of bank prosecution memory — at a cost of, 
$1200, and that it was capable of throwing tioo hogsheads of 
water per minute ! 

After the erection of the water works, the company added to 
their apparatus a beautiful hose carriage. 

Shortly after this period the aifairs of the company seem to 
have been in a depressed condition until January, 1853, when 
a number of public spirited citizens residing in the upper part 



386 ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 

of the borough joined together and effected its complete reor- 
ganization, under the auspices of the Town Council. 

A beautiful second-class engine, capable of throwing two side 
and a gallery stream, manufactured by Gr. Agnew, of Philadel- 
phia, was purchased at a cost of $1350. 

In March, 1858, the company also replaced their hose carriage 
by a neat " spider" or " crabb," at a cost of $100 ; and in Sep- 
tember, 1858, the company further increased its efl&ciency by ob- 
taining a beautiful hook and ladder apparatus, which has thus 
been described : 

" The length between the coupling is twenty-eight feet ; the 
length of the longest ladder is forty-two feet, and of the shortest 
fifteen feet. There are sis ladders. The body of the carriage 
is painted white, and the ornamental work handsomely gilt. The 
iron work is of good quality, and partly polished. The springs 
are of good steel. A bell is attached to one of the axles, which 
sounds the alarm when proceeding to a fire. Axes, iron-tipped 
poles, picks and lanterns are placed in proper positions, and the 
whole is surmounted with a beautiful signal lamp. The cost of 
the carriage, ladders, &c., was $800, to which must be added 
$14 paid for a silver fire horn, and $20 freight to the Pennsyl- 
vania railroad. It was manufactured by Mr, C. Schantz, of 
Philadelphia." 

The building occupied by the company is situated in North 
Second street, above State. It is a neat brick staucture, two 
stories high, surmounted with a cupola containing an alarm bell. 

Officers in October, 1858 : — President, William H. Kepner; 
Vice President, Joseph Strominger; Secretary, Robert R. Barr ; 
Treasurer, Andrew K. Black; Engineer, Thomas Stevenson; 
Assistant Engineers, J. Cunkle, W. W. Wright; Directors, 
William Hutman, Jacob Cunkle, Samuel Cline, William Putt, 
Robert R. Barr, AYilliam M'Coy, Charles Jacobs, Thomas J. 
Black. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 337 



The Citizen Hose and Engine Company. — This efficient 
fire company was organized in the year 1886. Its first officers 
were William Bostick, Sr., President; Henry Lyne, Vice Pre- 
sident; George S. Kemble, Treasurer, and William Parkhill, 
Secretary. 

The Company, shortly after its organization, purchased a 
beautiful and powerful engine, at a cost of nine hundred and fifty 
dollars. It is of second class capacity, throwing a gallery and 
two side streams, and was manufactured at the celebrated estab- 
lishment of Joel Bates, in Philadelphia. 

The power and eifectiveness of this engine was fully tested at 
the disastrous fires which occurred in the summer and fall of 
1838, at the opposite corners of Fourth and Market streets. — • 
At these fires it rendered the most important services, in conse- 
quence of being provided with a suction apparatus, which forced 
water from the canal, thus, in a great measure, dispensing with 
the then prevailing system of "bucket lines." 

The introduction of water and hydrants into the borough 
created a material change in the operations of the fire depart- 
ment. The " bucket lines" above referred to, gave way to hose, 
and it was necessary that the several fire companies should be 
provided with this article. The ''Citizen" company was the 
first in the borough to respond to this necessity, and accordingly 
purchased, in Philadelphia, a beautiful hose carriage, and six- 
teen hundred feet of hose, the former at a cost of $285. 

With this useful addition the company required the privileges 
and powers of an incorporation, and accordingly an application 
for a charter was made and granted by the Court of Common 
Pleas in 1841. It was discovered, however, by time and ex- 
perience, that this charter was defective ; accordingly at a 
meeting of the company, held May 12, 1858, a new constitu- 
tion and by-laws were proposed, and a committee appointed to 
petition the court for their approval. This committee peti- 

43 



338 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

tioned tlie court on the 13tli of May, 1858 ; and on the 23rd 
of August following, the court granted the prayer of the peti- 
tioners, by directing that the said constitution and by-laws shall 
" thereafter be deemed and taken to be the instrument on which 
said Association shall be governed as firemen." 

The first hose carriage having became dilapidated by time and 
service, the company, in the fall of 1856, purchased in Phila- 
delphia a new one, handsomely mounted with silver and other 
embellishments, at a cost of about $1,000. 

In addition to this, the company, shortly afterwards, procured 
a handsome "Spider," which was manufactured to order by E,. 
J. Fleming, of Harrisburg, and cost about two hundred dollars. 

The company, in October, 1858, increased its efl&ciency by 
procuring a "Button Engine" — a lately patented fire apparatus, 
manufactured at Waterford, New York, a trial of which, in 
front of Brant's Hall, was thus noticed in the "Daily Tele- 
graph :" " She did nobly and more than realized the expecta- 
tions of the most sanguine members of the Citizen company. — 
In our opinion the Engine is fully equal to three ordinary ma- 
chines of the old style, and ranks next to the steam fire engines 
lately adopted in the various cities. On the first trial she threw 
a stream of water through a lith inch nozzle a distance of two 
hundred and one feet. On the second trial she threw two 
streams at once through 1^ inch nozzles a distance of one hun- 
dred and sixty-five feet each. On the third trial she threw five 
streams at once through |th inch nozzles from one hundred and 
five to one hundred and twenty-one feet. When this feat was 
accomplished the members of the Citizen company, pleased with 
the success of their new machine, made the welkin ring with 
repeated and enthusiastic cheers for the Engine and its manu- 
facturer. On the fourth trial, the largest nozzle — one and-a- 
half inch — was used, and this powerful volume of water was 
thrown a distance of one hundred and sixty-seven feet. The 
machine gave entire satisfaction in every respect. This is the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 

largest engine of the kind in the State, weighs thirty-five hun- 
dred pounds, requires fifty men to work it, and cost $2,050 de- 
livered here." 

The engine is provided with a suction apparatus. 

The building of the company is situated in Fourth street, 
above Walnut. It is a neat brick structure, two stories high, 
surmounted with a wooden cupola and a " look-out." The first 
story is devoted to the apparatus of the company, and the second, 
which is very handsomely furnished, to the meetings of the 
company. 

The company is composed, principally, of young and indus- 
trious citizens of respectable character, who are always among 
the first when duty calls. 

Officers in November, 1858 : — President, Dr. Christian Seller; 
Vice President, Richard J. Haldeman; Standing Committee, 
George Bailey, John Denwiddie and Joseph Montgomery ; Sec- 
retary, Augustus L. Carst ; Assistant Secretary, William H. H. 
Sieg; Treasurer, James Black ; Engineer, George Fager; As- 
sistant Engineers, Alexander W. Barr, George Bailey ; Captain 
of Hose, Joseph Sheets; Directors, Ed. W. Shell, Charles 
Frank, George W. Krause, Samuel Miller, William Walters, 
Herman Frisch, Thomas Nelly, Newton Shoop, J. L. Sengen- 
berger. 



The Washington Hose Company. — The example of the 
Citizen Fire Company in procuring hose to meet the require- 
ments of the change in the fire department, caused by the in- 
troduction of water into the borough, was followed by the or- 
ganization of a company whose apparatus consists exclusively 
of hose and its carriage. 

Being convinced of the utility of such an organization, a 
number of young men met in the dining room of the " United 
States" Hotel, on the corner of Second and Mulberry streets, on 
Wednesday evening, January 27th, 1841, for the purpose of 



340 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

organization, and to raise funds to purchase a hose carriage. A 
committee was appointed to solicit money, by subscription, to 
purchase a carriage, and on the 5th of February, 1841, that 
committee reported that sufficient amount had been subscribed 
by the citizens, when John L. Martin was deputed to purchase 
the carriage of the Washington Hose Company, of Philadelphia, 
at a cost of one hundred and eighty dollars. The carriage was 
received on the 20th of March, 1841, and at the same time the 
Town Council furnished the company with six hundred feet of 
hose. On Friday evening, April 2nd, 1841, the company was 
regularly organized, and denominated the " Washington Hose 
Company," of Harrisburg, Pa. — a constitution and by-laws 
adopted, and the following officers were elected :— President, 
Levi Wolfinger; Vice President, John L.Martin; Secretary, 
E. S. German ; Treasurer, David Lingle. From this period 
the company has been one of the most active and efficient in 
the borough. 

On the 3rd day of May, 1843, application was made to the 
Court of Dauphin county for an act of incorporation, which was 
granted on the 2nd day of September, 1843, and recorded on 
the 8th day of September, 1843, in deed book P, volume 2, 
page 432. 

The want of a suitable building for the carriage, and a room 
for the meetings of the company, was a great inconvenience ; 
and prompted by the generosity previously manifested by the 
citizens, it was proposed, and a committee appointed on the 5th 
of January, 1844, to devise ways and means to raise funds to 
erect a suitable house. That committee was kindly received, 
and contributions liberally given, so that in a very short time 
money and labor was sufficiently subscribed to build a comfort- 
able, neat and substantial house. 

On the 2nd of February, 1844, a lot of ground was purchased 
on the corner of Second street and Meadow Lane, from C. L. 
Berghaus, Esq., for the sum of ninety dollars. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 341 

The building was commenced on the 4tli of March, 1844, 
and on the 23rd of March, 1844, the corner-stone was laid with 
appropriate ceremonies. The building was completed on the 
8rd of August, 1 844. It is one of the most perfect of the kind 
in the State, being provided with all the most approved accom- 
modations suitable to the character of the uses to which it is 
applied. The first, or ground floor, is occupied by the apparatus 
of the company, and communicates with Second street by means 
of two large folding doors, rendering a free and rapid exit or 
entrance. The second story is appropriated to meetings, &c., 
and is furnished in the highest style of magnificence — resemb- 
ling, indeed, more the luxurious appointments of a fashionable 
drawing-room than anything we can compare it to. Imported 
ingrain carpeting — four walnut divans and sofas, whose yielding- 
cushions invite repose — centre tables — fancy desks for the offi- 
cers — gothic cottage chairs — damask curtains — gas chandelier — 
glass book-cases, well filled with instructive volumes — and beau- 
tiful paintings, constitute but a portion of its elegant and costly 
furniture. We opine that a sight of this room would make 
some of our city brethren stare. To some, perhaps, these ar- 
rangements might seem superfluous ; but we incline to the opin- 
ion that the superior order and beauty exhibited there, has a 
tendency to cherish and promote a refined taste among the mem- 
bers themselves. The entire building is heated by a large fur- 
nace in the cellar, and the arrangements for cleaning their hose, 
&c., are perfectly in keeping with the character of those we 
have already described. The cost of the building was eight 
hundred dollars. 

The carriage being old and ill-suited, another was proposed 
and urged of more modern construction, for which object mem- 
bers were chosen to raise money by subscription, and on the 
22nd day of May, 1850, a contract was made with George Euhi, 
of Philadelphia, to build a " crab'' or hose carriage for the sum 
of three hundred and fifty dollars, which was completed and 



342 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

given into the charge of a committee on the 5th of October, 
1850. The company is clear of all indebtedness. 

Officers in October, 1858: — President, John H. Zeigler; 
Vice President, Alfred A. Pancake ; Secretary, Peter Bern- 
heisel, Jr.; Treasurer, George H. Bell ; Directors, George Pan- 
cake, John F. C. Dace, John Bernheisel, Samuel Bernheisel, 
Charles H. Etter, George W. Hoffman; Inspectors, Peter K. 
Boyd, Frederick P. Ha3hnlan, Thomas W. Peeples, Charles 
Gordon, Albert K. Shoop. 



Mount Vernon Hook and Ladder Company. — This com- 
pany was first organized on the 5th of April, 1858, under the 
name of the "Independent Hook and Ladder Company," which 
was changed in August or September following, to the " Mount 
Vernon Hook and Ladder Company." 

The following is a list of the first oJ0&cers of the company: — 
President, William C. A. Lawrence; Vice President, Richard 
B. M. Berkman ; Secretary, William B. Wilson ; Treasurer, J. 
A. Carman ; Board of Directors, David G. May, Thomas W. 
Anderson, Frank A. Murray and Robert G. Denning ; Elective 
Board, David G. May, T. Rock Smith and Thomas W. Ander- 
son, 

The apparatus of the company was manufactured by Mr. R. 
J. Fleming, of Harrisburg, and cost eight hundred dollars. It 
consists of a carriage, hooks and ladders, &c., and has been thus 
described : 

'^The total length of the apparatus is forty-eight feet; the 
length of coupling twenty-seven feet, and the length of the 
largest ladder forty feet. The iron work is polished, the springs 
of steel, and the axles of turned iron. The wheels and body 
are elegantly varnished, and decorated with gilt and carved 
work, the^^knobs^^being tipped with brass. The wood work is 
painted of a dark claret color, and durably constructed. Axes, 
picks and lanterns are provided, and secured in proper positions 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 343 

about the carriage ; and a beautiful signal lamp surmounts the 
whole." 

The company, in 1858, occupied the two story frame building 
on the east corner of Locust street and Rasberry alley, which 
was altered and arranged for its accommodation. 

Officers in October, 1858 : — President, William C. A. Law- 
rence; Vice President, William B. Wilson; Secretary, A. F. 
Small ; Assistant Secretary, Henry Uhler ; Treasurer, T. Rock 
Smith ; Directors, Frank A. Murray, David Gr. May, George 
Denning, Jacob Gr. May, John Bigler ; Electing Committee, 
Thomas W. Anderson, Frank A. Murray, Charles Reigle. 

BRIDGES. 

The Harrisburg Bridge. — By an act of the Legislature, 
approved April 2, 1811, the Governor of the Commonwealth 
was "authorized and directed to subscribe a sum not exceeding; 
190,000 to the stock of the company, which may hereafter be 
incorporated, for building a bridge over the Susquehanna at 
Harrisburg; one-half to bt. paid when the piers and abutments 
shall have been constructed, and the other when the superstruc- 
ture shall have been raised." The same act made appropria- 
tions for similar bridges at Northumberland, Columbia and 
M' Calls Ferry. 

The act authorizing the erection of the bridge was passed 
April 8, 1809. 

The company to construct the bridge at Harrisburg, was 
chartered July 6, 1812, and organized on the 8th of August 
following. 

The first foundation stone of the bridge was laid December 
2, 1812. 

The board of directors, in submitting a statement of the re- 
ceipts and expenditures of the company, down to the 30th of 
July, 1813, made the following report : 



344 ANNALS OP HARRISBUBO. 

" In addition thereto they beg leave to inform the company, 
that they have contracted with Mr. Theodore Burr, to build 
said bridge for the sum of one hundred and eighty thousand 
dollars; thirty-five thousand dollars thereof he is to take in 
stock, the residue to be paid to him in proportion as the work 
progresses; he is to find all the materials, and to have the bridge 
completed on the first day of December, 1815. 

They have also contracted with the administrators of the late 
William Maclay, deceased, for the privilege of attaching the 
bridge to the island on both sides, and of making and extending 
a road across it, on terms which they conceive will be advanta- 
geous to all the parties concerned. 

The work has been commenced and is in as great a state of 
forwardness as could be reasonably expected for the time. 

Notwithstanding the preparations that were indispensable at 
the commencement of a work of such magnitude; yet in a little 
better than three months from the time it was began, two of the 
abutments are finished as high as to where the wooden work 
commences, and the third is rapidly progressing. The work 
appears to be very substantial, and composed of the best n:iate- 
rials. A large quantity of stone is prepared, and as soon as 
the river is sufficiently low, the piers will be commenced, with 
an additional number of hands ; and from the superior qualifi- 
cations of Mr. Burr, as a bridge builder, aided by an industry 
and perseverance seldom equalled, there is every reason to be • 
lieve, that the bridge will be finished within the time specified 
in the contract. 

The president and directors (in compliance with their duty) 
inform the company, that the Governor, under the authority of 
an act of Assembly, has subscribed for ninety thousand dollars 
worth of stock, in behalf of the commonwealth, which sum will 
be paid, under the direction of said act, by his warrants drawn 
on the State Treasury. 

It is with no small degree of satisfaction that the board have 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 345 

it in their power to inform the company, that the displeasure 
expressed by some of the stockholders, on account of the site of 
the bridge being fixed at the place where it is now erecting, has 
nearly subsided. It would have been an extraordinary circum- 
stance, if all had been satisfied, when so great a variety of local 
interests were interfering with each other^ — it was more than 
could be expected. The few who yet remain opposed, are so 
very small in number, and their proportion of stock in compari- 
son so very trifling, as to render their opposition of little conse- 
quence. 

Nothing is now wanting, to forward the work with spirit, but 
prompt and punctual payments on the part of stockholders ; 
and when each individual stockholder reflects that by such pay- 
ments, he is hastening and promoting his own interest, it is con- 
fidently hoped and expected, that he will not withhold the re- 
quisite aid. 

Thos Elder, President; Jacob M. Haldeman, Jno. Ilitchey, 

George Brenizer, Samuel C- Wiestling, John Howard, William 

Bryson, George Hoyer, Jacob Boas, Henry Beader, Michael 

Krehl, John Mytinger, Directors. 

Attest, JOHN DOWNEY, Treasurer. 
Juhj 31, 1813." 

The first toll was received by the company October 16, 1816. 
The bridge and toll-houses were completed in 1817, at a total 
cost of S192,138 

The bridge is built upon the "■ Burr plan ;" and is separated 
by Forster's Island. Its total length, including the island, is 
about two-thirds of a mile; width, forty feet, and has an eleva- 
tion of fifty feet. 

That part of the structure between the island and the borough 
was carried away by the great freshet of March 15, 1846, and 
for about eighteen months afterwards the passage was made to and 
from the island by means of a "rope ferry." The rope used 
on this occasion was about three inches in diameter, and sus- 

44 



346 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

pended between the two abutments, supported in the centre by 
masts on the piers. The flats were connected to this rope by 
two small guy ropes ; and by an ingenious contrivance were pro- 
pelled across the stream by the action of the descending current. 

The rope, especially during high water, frequently obstructed 
the passage of the rafts and arks descending the river, and was 
finally cut by one of the incensed river men with an axe. 

The present structure was erected and rendered passable on 
the 20th of September, 1847, It is distinguished for its strength 
and graceful proportions, affording a striking contrast with the 
antique, thoughstill firm, part of the first structure spanning the 
river on the western side of the island. 



Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge. — The first bridge 
owned by this company, across the Susquehanna, was com- 
menced in the summer of 1836, and opened for locomotive tra- 
veling January 16, 1839. 

It was constructed upon the lattice plan, with three frames, 
and covered with a strong deck of three inch plank^ laid water- 
tight to protect the timbers from the weather. 

A single T rail was laid on the deck along the middle of the 
bridge. 

The under part of the frame work was arranged for two car- 
riage ways for common road vehicles, &c , and two foot paths 
for passengers. By an act of the Legislature, however, the 
company was prohibited from using it for any other than rail- 
road purposes until the year 1841. 

The carriage ways were nineand-a-half feet wide, and thirteen 
feet high in the clear. The foot paths were three-and-a half 
feet wide, set up three feet above the lower roadways, in order 
to admit outside braces from below to the lattice frames. 

The main bridge was four thousand feet long; and, including 
the end bridges, four thousand three hundred feet long. There 
were twenty-three spans of about one hundred and sixty-five 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 347 

feet each. The piers were six-and-a-half feet wide at the top, 
and had a batter all around of one inch to the foot rise. They 
were thirty feet long at the top, and from thirty to sixty feet 
long at the base. 

The highest piers were forty-two feet above low water; the 
lowest twenty-two feet. 

The western end was twenty feet higher than the Harrisburg 
end. This plan was adopted to reduce the heavy grade on the 
Cumberland side of the river. 

The total cost of the bridge was ^110,000. Of this sum the 
mason work cost $40,000 ; the timber and other materials about 
S40,000, and the framing and building of the superstructure 
$30,000. 

The railway track was completed, and the bridge publicly 
opened for locomotive use on the 16th of January, 1839. The 
first trip was made from the western end. The train consisted 
of three locomotives, three double passenger cars, and two bag- 
gage cars — the locomotive ^'Nicholas Biddle" having the lead. 

The president, managers, and engineers of the company, to- 
gether with the bridge contractors, and about three hundred 
gentlemen, present by invitation, occupied the cars and loco- 
motives. 

Several thousand persons assembled on the bank of the river 
to witness the opening ceremony, which was an imposing spec- 
tacle. 

The train moved slowly and majestically over the bridge at 
the rate of twenty miles per hour, and upon entering Mulberry 
street, the air resounded with a welcome huzza. 

To test the strength of the bridge a locomotive was subse- 
quently run over it in one minute, without causing the slightest 
vibratory motion. 

This splendid bridge was destroyed by fire, excepting four 
spans at its eastern end, in December, 1844. 

The work of constructing another bridge, at the same place, 



348 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

was completed in 1846. This was also on the lattice plan, but 
differed materially in appearance with the former structure.- — 
The passage way for footmen was in the centre of the two car- 
riage ways, but was never used for this purpose, it being found 
necessary to occupy the place by cross staunchions for the inte- 
rior lattice frames. The bridge and track were originally cov- 
ered with a shingle roof, which was subsequently taken away, 
as it was thought to endanger the structure by the great resist- 
ence it offered to the wind. 

This bridge stood until 1855 or 1856, when it was removed 
for the present beautiful structure, which was erected within 
the old one, without causing any serious interruption to the car 
travel. The two spans which crosses the island are constructed 
of iron, calculated to resist the progress of fire, that at any time 
might occur on either of the sides which they divide. 

The company sold its right to collect tolls over the bridge to 
the Harrisburg Bridge Company on the 4th of January, 1855. 

Mr. Kudolph P. Kelker has kindly furnished the compiler 
with the following memoranda respecting this bridge : 

May 7, 1836, Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge located 
opposite Mulberry street. 

May 9, 1836, ground first broke for abutment on the east side 
of the river. 

June 18, 1838, commenced laying timber of bridge. 

January 16, 1839, at two-and-a-half o'clock, p. M, first loco- 
motive crossed the river on the bridge. 

RAILROADS AND CANALS. 

There is no town in Pennsylvania that is so advantageously 
situated, with respect to railroad connection, as Harrisburg. — 
From every point of the compass these great public thorough- 
fares of travel and trade enter the borough, and passengers and 
freight trains arrive and depart almost every hour, giving to 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 349 

the town, at least that part of it adjacent to the depot, a scene 
of constant bustle and activity. 

The following is a list of the railroads either terminating at 
or passing through the borough. : 

Pennsylvania Central, east to Philadelphia 3 west, to Pitts- 
burg. 

The Northern Central, south to Baltimore; North, to Sun- 
bury. 

The Cumberland Valley, west to Chambersburg. 

The Lebanon Valley, north-east to Reading. 

The Dauphin and Susquehanna, north-east to Pinegrove and 
Pottsville. 

On the Pennsylvania Central four passenger trains arrive and 
depart daily, beside emigrant and freight trains. 

On the other roads two trains depart and arrive daily. 

The Pennsylvania Canal passes through the eastern part of 
the borough. 



THE PRESS OF HARRISBURG. 

"The Press! whose vantage ground is Mind; 

Language, its sceptre of control; 

Its chariot wheels are thoughts that roll 
And leave a track of light behind." 

The newspapers of Harrisburg have long been distinguished 
for the ability with which they are conducted— their indepen- 
dent expression of opinion upon all subjects — and the neatness 
of their typographical appearance. 

The compiler, after the most diligent search and inquiry, has 
been unable to procure, with any degree of correctness, a his- 
tory or even a list of the many newspapers that have been pub- 
lished here since the field was first occupied by the " Oracle of 
Dauphin," previously noticed, and shall consequently confine 
his sketches to those only which at present exist: 



350 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



The Weekly Press. — The ^'Ilarrisburg Weeldy Telegraph" 
is the patriarch of the Harrisburg press — being the "lineal da- 
scendent'^ of the "Oracle of Dauphin," established in 1791— 
the first newspaper printed in Harrisburg. 

Under its present title it is in its tWenty-eighth volume, and 
on the 15th of September last had published 4,644 numbers. 
It is a folio of large double medium size, containing twenty- 
eight columns of closely printed reading matter and advertise- 
ments. During the session of the Legislature it is issued twice 
a week. The price of subscription is $2 per annum. It is 
American Republican in politics, and enjoys a large circulation 
and advertising patronage. Messrs. George Bergner & Co. are 
its present publishers. The publication office is in Third street, 
near Walnut. 

The " Church Advocate," devoted to the diffusion of Bible 
truth, religious news, and general intelligence, is published once 
a week by E. H. Thomas, J. S. Gable and George Ross for the 
General Eldership of the "Church of God." It is a quarto, 
printed on a super-royal sheet, containing thirty-two columns of 
reading matter and advertisements, and is in its twenty-third 
volume. It is edited with much ability by Rev. James Colder. 
The price of subscription is SI. 50 per annum. It is published 
in Fourth street, between Market and Walnut streets. 

The " Vaterland Wachter" is published weekly, in the Ger- 
man language, by Mr, George Bergner. It is a folio of super- 
royal size, containing twenty -four columns of reading matter and 
advertisements. It has reached its fifteenth volume. Its poli- 
tics are American Republican, and is edited with considerable 
ability. The subscription price is $1 per year in advance. Its 
publication office is at Bergner's bookstore. Market street. 

The '^Patriot and Union" is in its fourth volume. It is a 
consolidation of the " Peuosylvania Patriot," established March 
4, 1854 ; the " Democratic Union," established June 7, 1843, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURa. 351 

by the juncture of the " Keystone," " Ileporter," and " Ga- 
zette;" and the ''Keystone," established several years ago by 
Mr. 0. Barret. The latter paper joined the consolidation on 
the 1st of September last. It is a folio of large double medium 
size, containing twenty-eight columns of closely printed reading 
matter and advertisements. During the session of the Legislature 
it is issued twice a week at ^2 per annum. It is published at pre- 
sent by 0. Barret & Co., and edited with great vigor by U. J. 
Haldeman, Esq., and assistants. It is Democratic in politics, 
and enjoys a large circulation and advertising patronage. The 
publication of&ce is located on Third street, between Market and 
Walnut streets. 

The '■^Lancaster and Harvishuvj Democrat^' is published in 
the German laaguage, once a week, simultaneously in Lancaster 
and Harrisburg. It is a folio of double medium size, contain- 
ing twenty-eight columns of reading matter and advertisements. 
The paper is a consolidation of the " Lancaster Democrat" with 
the " Harrisburg Democrat," which was effected on the 29th of 
April, 1858. Its present publishers are Messrs. Kuhn, Fuss & 
Weaver, and its editors are Messrs. Kuhn and Hass, the latter 
of whom resides here. The subscription price is $1 per annum 
in advance Its publication oifice in Harrisburg is in Rasberry 
alley, near the Court House. 

The Daily Press. — The publication of daily papers in the 
borough is by no means a novel experiment. The compiler has 
been kindly permitted to examine files of daily papers printed 
here twenty-five years ago, at which period it was customary for' 
nearly all the leading journalists to publish daily editions of 
their respective papers during the session of the Legislature, 

Generally, these papers were about one-fourth the size of the 
present dailies, and consisted principally of legislative proceed- 
ings, which were regularly preserved and transferred into the 
weekly editions. They possessed no local character whatever, 



352 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

and depended entirely for support upon the patronage extended 
to tliem by members of the Legislature. 

A more recent, and what might be termed the first attempt 
to establish permanently a daily paper in the borough^ was made 
on the 27th of December, 1850, by Messrs. George Bergner & 
Co., who at that time commenced the publication of the "Amer- 
ican Whig." The paper was handsomely printed on a medium 
sheet, and contained twenty-four columns It was well sup- 
ported, but owing to the ill health of Mr. Bergner, that gentle- 
man was compelled, after publishing it about a year, to relin- 
quish his interest therein, after which it passed into the hands 
of Mr. Collin M' Curdy, who published it a few months longer, 
when it ceased to exist. 

The next appearance in the daily paper field was the "Bor- 
ough Item," started in the fall of 1852 by Messrs. George P. 
Crap and George W. George. This paper was about one-half 
the size of the present dailies. It was strictly local in its char- 
acter, and being edited with considerable ability, it soon attained 
a list of over one thousand subscribers, besides monopolizing 
nearly all the local advertising patronage. It was daily continu- 
ing to gain public favor, when other dailies entered the field in 
competition, which caused its gradual decline until November, 
1857, v^hen it ceased to exist. The first competitor of the 
" Item" was 

The ''Bailt/ Times," published by William H. Egle & Co. 
The size of the " Times" was a trifle larger than that of the 
" Item." It was edited with great ability by Mr. Egle, and 
was, like the " Item," " independent in all things, neutral in 
none." After being published a few mouths, it was purchased 
by Messrs Miller, Clyde & Patterson, then publishing the 
'• Weekly Telegraph," who enlarged it to super-royal size, and 
continued its publication under the title of 

The "■ 31ornin(] Uerald." The super-royal size was retained 
only a short time, when it was reduced back to the size of the 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 353 

" Times." The " Herald" was edited with great ability, and 
was a formidable rival of the " Item," It was published about 
two years, when its proprietors dissolved partnership. 

The '■'■ Sarri&bxirg Daily Herald]' succeeded the above ^'Her- 
ald." It was published and edited by Mr. William P. Coulter. 
The size of the sheet was about half as large as the present 
dailies. It was independent in all things. Mr. J. J. Clyde suc- 
ceeded Mr. Coulter as its publisher, who, in turn, was succeeded 
by Mr. Benj. Whitman. This gentleman, in 1858, sold an in- 
terest in the establishment to Messrs. Royal & M'Reynolds, at 
which time it was considerably enlarged, and called simply the 
" Daily Herald." Mr. Whitman occupied its editorial chair. 
It was published every morning until the 1st of September, 
1858, when the firm disposed of their interest in the concern to 
Messrs. 0. Barret & Co., of the weekly " Patriot and Union," 
who continue its publication under the name of 

The '■'■ Daily Patriot and Unions The size of this sheet is 
considerably larger than either of its immediate predecessors. 
It contains twenty-four columns, and is edited with marked abil- 
ity by R. J. Haldeman, Esq., and assistants. Its politics are 
Democratic, and commands an extensive influence among the 
leaders of that party. It enjoys a large circulation and a good 
advertising patronage. The subscription price to mail subscri- 
bers is $4 per annum, and to those residing in the borough six 
cents per week. 

The ^^ Daily Pennbylvania TelegrapV was established Octo- 
ber 7, 1856, by George Bergner & Co., its present publishers. 
It is a folio of large super-royal size, containing twenty-four 
columns of reading matter and advertisements. As its motto 
indicates, it is " independent in all things, neutral in none." It 
is published every evening, and enjoys a very large circulation, 
with a fair share of advertising patronage. The editorial de- 
partment is conducted with great ability by a corps of talented 
writers. No labor or expense is spared by its enterprising pub- 

45 



354 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

lishers to make it a-first class newspaper. The subscription price 
to mail subscribers is $4 per annum ; to subscribers in the bor- 
ough, sis cents per week. 

CONCLUSION. 

This concludes, for the present, our collection of " Annals of 
Harrisburg ;" and the compiler trusts they will be received with 
the indulgence due to the enterprise. The reflecting reader will 
justly appreciate the difficulties in procuring minute and accu- 
rate information respecting the early history of the borough, and 
will not be surprised if, notwithstanding the efforts of the com- 
piler, by personal intercourse with old citizens, and by laborious 
research among the public records, so77ie inaccuracies should be 
found in the work. In the first edition of such a work, error is 
unavoidable ; but the compiler flatters himself that there is no 
more in this than in others of like character, and that it will 
prove useful and satisfactory to the public. 



APPENDIX. 



The following incidents connected with the early history of 
Harrisburg, unless otherwise indicated,, were chiefly derived from 
the reminiscences of several old citizens. They give a faithful 
and lively picture of the borough in days of " Auld lang syne/' 
and will be read with interest. 

THE PAXTON CHURCH. 

The Paxton Church, still standing about three miles from 
Harrisburg, was erected about the year 1722 ; and from docu- 
ments in the possession of G-eorge W. Harris, Esq., it appears 
that his great grandfather, John Harris, furnished all,, or most 
of the stones used in its construction. This note is made to 
correct the supposition of many that the Paxton Church was 
erected previous to the settlement of John Plarris on the Sus- 
quehanna. 

FIRST ROAD FROM HARRISBURG TO PHILADELPHIA. 

The first regular road from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, by 
way of Lancaster and Chester counties, was procured in 1736, 
by petition of sundry inhabitants of said counties. 

A MATRON OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

" The wife of John Harris, the first settler, rode once on 
urgency to Philadelphia, the same horse, in one day ! At one 
time when at Big Island, on the West Branch of the Susque- 
hanna, hearing of her husband's illness, she came down in a 
day and night in a bark canoe." — Watson's Annals, 



356 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



CUMBEELAND VALLEY IN OLDEN TIME. 

George W. Harris, Esq., has heard his grandmother say that 
the whole extent of country between the South and Blue moun- 
tains, from the west bank of the Susquehanna to Carlisle, and 
beyond, was without timber when she was young. Now it is 
a well timbered country. 

DERIVATIONS. 

Susquehanna is derived from its Indian name — Sa-os-qua-ha- 
na-unh, i. e.. Long-crooked-river. 

Swatara creek is called after Suataaro, a town in the north of 
Ireland. 

SUPPLIES FOR GEN. SULLIVAN'S ARMY. 

A large number of the troops, and most of the supplies for 
G-en. Sullivan's expedition against the Indians on the Susque- 
hanna, in 1779, passed through this place. Gen. Sullivan, with 
the main body of the army, reached the Susquehanna at Sun- 
bury, by way of Easton. The supplies ascended the river in 
hattemix ; and it is curious to know that these were used in ac- 
cordance with a suggestion made by John Harris, Jr., in 1756, 
showing their superiority over canoes, then the universal mode 
of navigating the river. 

THE RELIGIOUS VIEWS OF JOHN HARRIS, Sr. 

John Harris, Sr., was an Episcopalian, although he contribu- 
ted liberally to the Presbyterian (Paxton) Church, then under 
the pastorship of the Rev. Col. Elder, in whose language " Mr. 
Harris was as honest a man as ever broke bread." 

Upon one occasion a man named Thomas Rennox, a leading 
elder of the Paxton Church, in company with Mr. Harris, at- 
tended a match at "BvIIet placing," (a favorite pastime in old 
times, now forgotten of which they were both very fond. — 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 357 

Presently the players perceived Parson Elder approaching on his 
way to Derry Church, when Rennox hid himself behind a tree. 
When the parson came up, he perceived Mr. Harris, who had 
'' stood his ground." 

"Well," said the parson to Mr. Harris, "of all the men in 
my congregation I am most surprised to see you here," and then 
proceeded to give him a severe lecture. After he had got 
through, and was going off, Mr. Harris turned around and called 
out, " Thomas Rennox come out here ;" whereupon the deacon 
made his appearance and also received a sound lecturing. 

MULBERRY STREET GRAVE-YARD. 

The site of the old Bethel Church, in Mulberry street, was 
at one time a grave-yard. Hercules — the colored man who aided 
in the rescue of the first settler, Harris, from the Indians — was 
buried here ; and his grave was recognizable until excavations 
were made for improving the spot, at which time his skull and 
a few bones were discovered, and removed by the descendants 
of Mr. Harris to the grave occupied by one of his children in 
the colored people's burial ground, at the foot of Chestnut 
street. 

While making excavations in the vicinity of the church, in 
May, 1858, for a new school house, the workmen exhumed a 
large quantity of human bones. 

THE FIRST BORN. 

Mr. Jacob Hise, who died several years ago, was the first 
male person born in the town after it was laid out. 

FIRST U. S. SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA. 

Mr. Maclay, the founder of Maclaysburg, subsequently an- 
nexed to Harrisburg, with Robert Morris, represented Penn- 
sylvania in the Jirst Senate of the United States. 



358 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



THE FIRST COUNTY PRISON. 

Mr. Peter Snyder, still living, aged eighty-one, states that tlie 
first county prison was a small two story log house, which for- 
merly stood in the alley, back of the present prison. 

POND NEAR MARKET SQUARE. 

Some of our oldest citizens recollect seeing people skating 
upon a frozen pond which, at one time, occupied the site of the 
■ old Coverly House, now Kelker's hardware store, at the east 
corner of Market square. In the summer time the pond was 
the favorite resort of boys, who amused themselves fishing for 
frogs, &c. Subsequently, it was the site of a lumber yard. 

TROOPS FOR GEN. ST. CLAIR'S ARMY. 

Several large detachments of regular United States troops 
passed through the borough in 1790-1, to join the army com- 
manded by Gen. St. Clair, operating against the Western In- 
dians. The father of Capt. Jeremiah lleese was at that time 
the lessee of the Harris ferry, and Capt. Reese, then a young 
man, steered one of the flats which conveyed the troops across 
the river. 

THE PUMPKIN FLOOD. 

Captain Jeremiah Reese relates that during the celebrated 
" Pumpkin flood'^ the water covered the floor of his father's 
tavern [now the frame part of Hogan's tavern, in Paxton street] 
to the depth of two feet. 

THE RIVER RACE-COURSE. 

About the time that Harrisburg was incorporated into a bor- 
ough, the lower or first bank of the river, between the two 
bridges, extended about thirty feet further out thau it does at 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 359 

the present day, the earth having been washed away to its pre- 
sent extent by the annual spring and fall freshets. The surface 
of this bank was level, and covered over with a beautiful green 
sward, forming a pleasing promenade for the elder villagers, and 
an admirable play-ground for the juveniles. In later days, the 
spot was invaded by ^'lovers of the turf;" the promenade was 
turned into a race-course ; and the innocent prattle of children 
gave place to the rude and boisterous slang of horse jockeys, or 
the loud vivas of the multitude, applauding some favorite ani- 
mal speeding along the course. 

DR. FENTON'S HORSE. 

One gentleman, Dr. Fenton, is said to have owned a horse 
that was considered quite a prodigy. He was trained to run the 
race-course without a rider, and perform divers other singular 
feats, one of which was to carry letters. When his master de- 
sired to communicate with a particular friend on the opposite 
side of the river, he would write on a piece of paper and attach 
it to the horse's mane; then leading the animal to the river, he 
would point to the opposite shore and say ''go," and off the 
noble animal would spring into the water, nor loiter on his way 
until he reached the place of his destination on the opposite 
shore, where he would wait until the answer was prepared, with 
which he returned in the same manner to his master. 

"APPEARANCES OFTEN DECEPTIVE." 

Upon one occasion, John Harris, Jr., purchased from a gen- 
tleman of Philadelphia a gray horse that had obtained consider- 
able celebrity for his racing qualities. Mr. H., however, was 
not aware of this fact, and used the animal alike in the carriage 
and plough. A short time afterwards there came to Harrisburg 
a man named Clark, who lived in Detroit, with the family of 
Thomas M'Kee. Clark was on a visit to some of his friends in 
this county, and had with him one of a number of blood horses 



860 ANNALS or HARRISBURG. 

which M'Kee had imported from Europe. The animal attracted 
much attention from the " hoise fanciers" of the village, who 
all agreed that it was a remarkable good looking " piece of horse 
flesh," and expressed a desire to see it perform on the race- 
course. The owner naturally felt proud of these good opinions ; 
and desiring to gratify the curiosity of the rustic critics, as well 
as his own vanity, ofi"ered to run the animal against any other 
horse in the neighborhood. This challenge was overheard by 
some of Mr. Harris' workmen, who immediately accepted it ; and 
without the consent of their employer, repaired to a potato field 
in Mulberry street, near Front, where they found Isaac (one of 
Mr. Harris' colored men) engaged ploughing with the gray 
horse. This individual, after being informed of the circum- 
stances, entered heartily into the affair, and in a short time the 
gray horse was unharnessed, and led by the party to the ap- 
pointed race-course, which at that time was located about the 
line of the present canal, below Paxton street. 

We can well imagine the laughter and ridicule with which 
this unkempt animal was greeted as he made his appearance on 
the ^' course," his stout form still reekiag with the sweat of his 
field labors; but his leaders, unmindful of the gibes and jests 
with which they were assailed, began to make their arrange- 
ments, and in a short space of time the " old boss," as the by- 
standers termed him, guided by a blind bridle, was led up to the 
side of his clean-limbed and glossy competitor. At the word 
'• go," both of the animals started abreast. Clark's horse took 
the lead for twenty yards or so ; but the sturdy plough-horse, 
warmed up with reminiscences of other days, suddenly passed 
to the front like the wind, and beat his competitor a hundred 
yards in the mile ! 

MORE REMARKABLE HORSES. 

Drs. Martin Luther and Hall, both eminent medical practi- 
tioners in their day, also owned remarkable horses. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 361 

On one occasion these gentlemen were riding their animals 
across the river, at the usual fording place, opposite Harris' red 
warehouse, and when at a point below Foster's Island, the 
horse of the former gentleman stumbled, throwing his rider 
head over heels into the water. As the river was pretty high 
at the time, such an unceremonious ducking was not unaccom- 
panied with great danger, even though the unfortunate doctor's 
head or bones remained intact after the concussion, for the cur- 
rent was swift, and the nearest visible land was far beyond the 
reach of any ordinary swimmer. Immediately after perceiving 
the disaster, of course. Dr. Hale proceeded to his colleague's re- 
lief; but in this he was anticipated, for no sooner did the noble 
animal belonging to Dr. L. see his master struggling in the water 
than he grasped him with his teeth by the coat collar, and in 
this manner conveyed him rapidly to the shore, where he safely 
deposited his valuable burden, and waited beside it until the 
arrival of Dr. Hall, who restored his friend alike to conscious- 
ness and his saddle. 

Dr. Hall's horse was never peaceable or tractable but with his 
master. If the Doctor, by accident, fell from the saddle the 
horse would wait quietly in the road until he was re-mounted ; 
nor would he permit any person to lead him away or touch the 
Doctor on these occasions. 

A WILD BUFFALO KILLED IN HARRISBURG. 

Mr. Peter Snyder relates that on a Sunday morning, about 
the year 1792, a wild huffalo suddenly came among a herd of 
cows who were at pasture in what was at that time known as 
" Maclay's Swamp," which occupied pretty much all the country 
lying on the west and north side of capitol hill to the ridge on 
the opposite side of Paxton creek. The cows were frightened 
at the appearance of the strange animal, and scampered oif ra- 
pidly towards the town ; while the buifalo, as thoroughly fright- 
ened by the sudden stampede, and following the habit of its kind, 

46 



362 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

ran with the drove for safety. The surprise of the quiet citizens 
as these excited animals entered the village, may be better ima- 
gined than described. Many who had never seen a bufialo, and 
ignorant of its nature, were alarmed beyond measure, and re- 
treated to their dwellings ; while others, better informed, and 
eager for sport and profit, quickly procured their guns and went 
in pursuit of the singular visitor with the view to its capture. 
After an exciting race through the streets, this was finally ac- 
complished by chasing it, with a number of cows, into a stable 
belonging to Mr. Harris, in River alley. Here the buifalo was 
killed, and its carcass divided among its captors. 

A WILD BEAR KILLED NEAR THE BOROUGH. 

The same gentleman also states that about the year 1797, he 
and his brother chased a wild bear from the ridge, east of the 
borough, into what was formerly known as "■ Hanna's woods," 
now the property of A. B. Hamilton, Esq. Here the bear 
mounted a tree on the side of a hollow, and calmly surveyed its 
pursuers. Mr. S.'s brother first fired at the animal, but his gun, 
leadened only with small bird shot, failed to have much efi"ect ; 
whereupon the relator loadened a small gun with several buck- 
shot, and fired at the animal, killing it instantly. The bear 
weighed about one hundred and twenty pounds. 

Mr. Snyder further informed the compiler that he has caught 
with his hands a large number of pike fish in a small branch of 
Paxton creek, that formerly run through the meadows, east of 
the borough, near the line of the present canal. 

ATTEMPTED TVHISKEY INSURRECTION AT HARRISBURG. 

'^ A duty being laid upon whiskey, that general and favorite 
beverage in Pennsylvania, it was found a potent theme for the 
purpose of sedition ; and it was accordingly preached upon with 
so much unction that an insurrection was the consequence. It 
began beyond the mountains, in the summer of 1794, spreading 



ANNALS OF HAERISBTJRG. ^ 363 

from "West to East with wonderful rapidity. Harrisburg was 
quickly infected ; and a meeting had been called for the purpose 
of passing some inflammatory resolutions. By the persuasion, 
however, of a few of us, who were untouched by the contagion, 
these inconsiderate men were induced to desist ; though less, 
perhaps, from a sense of their error than from our assurance that 
a body of troops were on their march to the seat of insurrection, 
and that if they persisted in their undertaking they would in- 
volve themselves in the guilt of a forcible opposition to the laws, 
and most surely have cause to repent of their temerity." — Gray- 
don's Memoirs. 

BURNING TOM PAINE'S LETTER. 

The citizens of Harrisburg celebrated the anniversary of Wash- 
ington's birth-day, in 1797, by a public dinner, at the house of 
George Zeigler. After the reading of a number of patriotic 
toasts, " Tom Paine's brutal letter to President Washington was 
burned by the hands of the drummer, to the tune of the Rogue's 
March, amid the general and hearty acclamations of the com- 
pany." 

LADIES' COSTUME, 

Some idea of the costume worn by our old-time matrons may 
be gathered by the following extract from a communication in 
the " Oracle'^ of 1797 : — '' The ladies who attend Divine ser- 
vice at the English meeting-house in Harrisburg, do not arro- 
gate an exclusive privilege of sitting in the circle formerly occu- 
pied by lawyers ; and it is happy for them, for the beaux being 
duly impressed with the inestimable right of equality, would 
strenuously dispute with them that accommodating situation, 
and no doubt for this laudable and unanswerable reason : that 
from that place, which is a little elevated, a more conspicuous 
display may be made of the inimitable skill of the Frizure, and 
of the adroitness of the highly halloned cravat, which can he 
hardly excelled hy the most foppish footman." 



364 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



WOLVES— A GOOD SHOT. 

The " Oracle of Dauphin" of April 12, 1797, publishes the 
following as a fact : 

" A Fact. — A few years ago, a respectable farmer near Har- 
risburg having frequently his sheep destroyed by wolves, laid 
wait one evening with a well-loaded nnisket, in order to take 
satisfaction for the depredations committed. He had not re- 
mained long in his hidden place before a gang of them ap- 
proached, when, filled with rage for injuries received, and taking 
good aim he ^et drive and killed seven! which was the whole 
gang. He received the premium for each, agreeably to the law 
of this State." 

CHIMNEY-SWEEPING MONOPOLY. 

In 1797, the burgesses of Harrisburg, Messrs. WiUiam Gray- 
don and James Sawyer, enacted the following ordinance : '' That 
if any inhabitant of the borough of Harrisburg shall procure his 
or her chimney or chimneys to be swept by any other chimney- 
sweeper than John Croft, (unless upon application to the said 
John Croft he shall refuse or neglect to sweep such chimney or 
chimneys,) he or she shall forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar 
for every such offence." 

LIST OF LETTERS. 

The list of letters remaining in the Post Ofl&ce at Harrisburg 
were advertised in the " Oracle of Dauphin" every two weeks. 
The lists published in 1797 and 1798, embraced the names of a 
large number of people residing at the time in Lewistown, North- 
umberland, Carlisle, Middletown, &c. The amount of postage 
due on each letter was placed opposite the names. 

A CURIOUS STONE MOULD. 

A stone mould for running musket and rifle bullets was found 
in digging a^well, about thirty feet below the surface of the 



ANNALS OF HAKRISBURG. 365 

earth, near Coxestown, a few miles north of the borough, in the 
year 1797. A solid rock several feet thick lay immediately 
above it. 

THE PRISON WALL. 

The stone wall enclosing the County Prison was erected in 
1798. The Commissioners of the county issued proposals for 
its construction in November, 1797. 

SALE OF THE MILL-SEAT. 

The mill-seat purchased from the Landis' by the citizens of 
Harrisburg, previously mentioned, was sold by the latter '' at 
public vendue, in the Court House, on the 18th of November, 
1797." We cannot learn who purchased it. 

TRAVELING ACCOMMODATIONS SIXTY YEARS AGO. 

Messrs. Matthias Slough and William Gear were each proprie- 
tors of a line of stages running between Lancaster, Harrisburg, 
Carlisle and Shippensburg, in the year 1797. They had for- 
merly been in partnership. The stages of the former gentleman 
" set out from the house of Capt. Andrew Lee, in Harrisburg," 
[afterwards called the "Washington House."] The fare on 
this line was, from Harrisburg to Lancaster, $2 ; from Lancas- 
ter to Carlisle, $o ; and from Lancaster to Shippensburg, $4. 

The stages of Mr. Geer "set out from the house of William 
Feree, in Lancaster, on every Tuesday and Saturday mornings, 
at six o'clock, proceeding to the westward; and from the house 
of Mr. Samuel Elder, in Harrisburg, every Wednesday morning, 
arriving at Shippensburg on the same evening. This line con- 
nected with stages, which started from the White Horse tavern 
in Market street, Philadelphia, every Monday and Friday.-— 
The same proprietor also ran a stage from Harrisburg every 
Wednesday, which arrived at Sunbury every Thursday ; and re- 
turned every Saturday; "so that passengers from Sunbury, 



366 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

destined for Lancaster and Philadelpliia, could proceed thence 
on Mondays." 

Mr. William Coleman was the proprietor of a line of stages 
that started every Monday morning, at four o'clock, from the 
public house of Mr. George Zeigler, in Harrisburg, and arrived 
at Philadelphia, by way of Keading, every Wednesday at noon. 

In 1813, Mr. Nicholas Schwoyer ran a light stage, twice a 
week, from Harrisburg to the canal, [?] where it was met by a 
line established by Mr. Jesse Shaeffer, which run to York. — 
This stage left the " Fountain Inn,'' at Harrisburg, every Tues- 
day and Thursday mornings. 

These several modes of conveyance would illy suit the people 
of this progressive age ; yet at that period they were considered 
quite sufficient, and a decided improvement over the "post- 
horse" system, used previously. 

The conveyance of the mails was equally slow. In 1798, the 
Post Master General, Joseph Habersham, issued proposals for 
carrying the mails, once in two weelcs, on the following route : 

" From Harrisburg, by Clark's Ferry, Millerstown, Thomp- 
sontown, Mifflintown, Lewistown, Huntingdon, Alexandria, 
Bellefonte, Aaronsburg, Mifflinburg, Lewisburg, Northumber- 
land and Sunbury, to Harrisburg. The mail to leave Harris- 
burg from October 15th to April 15th, every other Monday, at 
six A. M., and return to Harrisburg the next Monday by 7 P. M. 
And from April 15th to October 15th, to leave Harrisburg 
every other Saturday at two P. M., and return to Harrisburg the 
next Sunday week, by seven p. M." 

On the 15th of November, 1797, the Post Master General, 
in reply to a letter addressed to him respecting the transmission 
of a mail between Harrisburg and Lancaster, wrote as follows : 

" Mr. Slough has written me on the subject of a private mail 
between Lancaster and Harrisburg, but no contract has been 
formed on the subject; indeed it does not now appear to me 
expedient to form any; as there cannot he much communication 



ANNALS OP EARRISBURG. 367 

hy post between Lancaster and Harrishurg, (/) and the corres- 
pondence between Harrisburg and this city [Philadelphia] is 

well provided for already. 

JOSEPH HABERSHAM, P. M. G." 

In 1812, Mr. Wright, the post master, advertised that ''the 
Western mail will be closed every Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday, at two o'clock p. M., and the Eastern mail every day 
(Sundays excepted) at eight o'clock A. M," 

DANCING AND DANCING MASTERS. 

The inhabitants of Harrisburg, sixty years ago, seemed to 
have been unusually fond of patronizing the Terpsichorean art; 
and it is quite amusing to hear the survivors of that period re- 
late incidents of the many "dances" in which they participated 
when they were "young rollicking blades." 

We have previously mentioned the names of some of those 
who had the honor of instructing our forefathers in the " poetry 
of motion." 

One of the most popular means of promoting the art was that 
afforded by an organization styled the " Harrisburg Dancing As- 
sembly," which commenced operations in October, 1796. 

We find the following advertisement respecting this "Assem- 
bly" in the "Oracle of Dauphin," for that year: 

" Dancing Assembly. — The subscribers to the Harrisburg 
Dancing Assembly are informed that it will be opened on Thurs- 
day evening next at six o'clock, at the house of Capt. Lee. 

Seventh October, 1796." 

Another advertisement in the "Oracle," for the week follow- 
ing, requests the " ladies to attend the Assembly precisely at 
six o'clock, that the managers may be enabled to make the ne- 
cessary arrangements." 

Our fathers evidently " kept good hours ;" for under the pre- 



368 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

sent system of balls, it is not deemed fashionable to have the 
ladies appear much before ten o'clock. 

By another advertisement in the " Oracle/' the ladies are again 
requested ''to be particular in attending at six o'clock, as at 
that time precisely they will draw for numbers." 

What these '' numbers" were to represent, the compiler is 
unable to say. 

Among the managers of the " Assembly" at various times, 
were Messrs. Samuel Laird, Fr. Dazell, John Elder and Alex- 
ander Gray don, all gentlemen of the highest respectability. 

In January, 1797, Mr. B. Holdich opened a dancing school 
in Capt. Lee's assembly rooms; and the first practicing ball of 
his pupils took place on the 17th of February following. To 
this ball " the ladies and gentlemen (subscribers) were invited 
to witness the improvement of the pupils." Gentlemens' tickets 
(non-subscribers) were one dollar each ; each ticket admitting a 
lady and gentleman to the practice of the evening. The Court 
and Bath cotillions were to be danced by the company, with 
several new country dances. The practice was to commence at 
six o'clock, and end at eleven o'clock. 

We conclude our sketch by copying verbatim the following 
advertisement of Mr. Holdich, in the " Oracle" for April 4, 
1798 : 

"Dancing School. — Subscriptions are respectfully solicited 
for a third half quarter, to commence on Monday, April 9, and 
conclude with a ball, Saturday, May 20. In addition to the 
former objects of tuition will be taught 'The City Cotillion^ 
as taught by Sicard, Quesnet, and all the French masters in 
Philadelphia, New York, &c., and 'Tlie Plain Minuet.' Such 
of the pupils as make sufiicient progress shall also be taught 
the 'Minuet de la Cour^ because it is more than probable that 
the school will not be continued during the present winter. 

B. HOLDICH." 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 369 



FAIRS. 



About the middle of the months of June, fifty years ago, there 
would be merry times in the borough — merry times as eye could 
see or ear could hear; the whole place would ring with drums, 
banjos, bag-pipes, trumpets, fiddles and fifes ; besides a good deal 
of bellowing and shouting, roaring of laughter, and every other 
kind of noise that the human voice could produce. In short, 
this was the time of the fair days — " institutions" that now, 
alas ! are numbered among the things " long since forgotten." 
On these occasions, Market Square would be the grand centre 
of attraction for the multitude of citizens and strangers. In 
one place might be seen the juggler performing all manner of 
tricks ; in another place rope dancers were nimbly pirouetteing 
before the enraptured gaze of the country rustics ; in another place 
were the living anacondas, tame elephants, learned dogs, and a 
host of other rare and curious animals brought hither by their 
owners to amuse and edify the people. But these were only 
accessories and adjuncts to the fair; which was, in truth, a great 
commercial mart, where goods and chattels of almost every kind 
were sold, from a hank of yarn to a mammoth bull. 

In several parts of the Square booths of entertainment would 
be erected, where revelry, mirth and feasting was indulged with 
a degree of license unknown at other times and seasons ; while 
in other booths, again, the more sober farmers, and the large 
households that they brought with them, could provide them- 
selves with food at a reasonable price, and in a decent manner; 
Through all the streets and alleys in the neighborhood of the 
Square would float a mixed multitude of all kinds ; buyers, sell- 
ers, minstrels, musicians, old women, beautiful girls, young chil- 
dren, yankees, wagoners ; all jostling, hustling, talking, laugh- 
ing, singing and playing in the utmost good humor. Bright 
and brilliant were these fair days ; a sort of maddening merri- 
ment was in every sound; it was intoxicating and infectious; 

47 



370 ANNALS OP HARRISBTJRG. 

nobody could help imbibing tbe miasma of hilarity that spread 
around. 

We make these as prefatory remarks to the following extract 
from the " Oracle of Dauphin" of June 6, 1798 : 

" On Friday and Saturday last was celebrated in this town 
the anniversary fair, with all its accustomed singularities. The 
lasses, as usual, assembled like bees on a summer's day. The 
swains, too, were very numerous ; so that none of the former, it 
is to be presumed, went home with a heavy heart in consequence 
of neglect from the latter." 

RIVER NAVIGATION FIFTY YEARS AGO. 

The principal mode of navigating the river, fifty years ago, 
was by keel boats, or " broad horns," similar to those used on 
the 'Western waters prior to the introduction of steam. These 
boats, ladened with grain, flour, iron, and other productions of 
Northern Pennsylvania and New York, would descend with the 
current of the river to tide water or Baltimore, and after dis- 
charging their cargo, return again to the places from which they 
started. A large number of the boats unshipped their cargo at 
this place for transportation, by wagons, to Lancaster or Phila- 
delphia. The red warehouse, on the bank of the river, at Pax- 
ton street, was erected principally to accommodate this trade ; 
and was frequently filled with goods awaiting wagons to trans- 
port them eastward. As many as fifty keel-boats have been 
tied-up along the shore of the river, near the warehouse, at one 
time; and as the boatmen were "jolly fellows," the whole town 
would be enlivened, for weeks at a time, with their songs, mu- 
sic, and fandangoes. 

Mr. Benjamin A. Taylor, yet living in the borough, frequent- 
ly conducted a keel-boat to the head waters of the Susquehanna, 
in New York State. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 371 



MACLAY'S SWAMP. 



At one time the low ground, fronting the State Capitol, be- 
tween Second and Third streets, and from Pine street to the 
ridge north-east of the borough, was a dense swamp, whose edges 
was so thickly beset with tangled briars that, in the language of 
an old citizen, " the place was almost impenetrable to the dogs." 
The swamp was familiarly known as '' Maclay's." A natural 
gully ran from its lower end into the creek, whose channel, still 
remaining, crosses Front street, above Walnut. This creek was 
also the outlet of the pond in Market square, already noticed. 
When the river was high, the water at the mouth of the creek 
would overflow Front street, and render it impassable. On these 
occasions vehicles and pedestrians would be compelled to go 
around by Second street. 

At the June Sessions of Court, in 1800, a petition was pre- 
sented, praying that body to grant an order for the erection of 
a bridge over this creek, or "gut" as it was then called. The 
application was successful ; and the County Commissioners were 
directed to appropriate the sum of $200 for the erection of the 
same. 

BALD EAGLE NESTS. 

The islands in the river, opposite the borough, were famous 
fifty years ago, or later, as places of roost for bald eagles. — 
Many of them built their nests there, and on some occasions 
hundreds of these noble birds were to be seen hovering in the 
air, above the river, in that vicinity. The fishermen were al- 
ways informed of the approach of a school of shad up the river 
by the action of the eagles, who in great numbers would follow 
it in the air above, occasionally descending with lightning ra- 
pidity into the water, from which some of them would inva- 
riably rise with an unlucky shad in their talons, which they 
would devour while continuing their flight. 



372 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

INDIANS AT THE GRAVE OF JOHN HARRIS, Sk. 

When George W. Harris, Esq., was a boy, he remembers 
seeing ten or twelve Indians at his father's house, (the frame 
building now owned by Mr. Trullinger, on Front street, above 
Vine.) They were from the State of New York, and were on 
their way to the seat of the General Government. One of the 
number, an old chieftain, once lived in this vicinity, and had 
been well acquainted with John Harris, Jr., and Mr. Robert 
Harris thought with the first John Harris. He had came this 
way on purpose to see John Harris, or his father, and was 
greatly grieved to learn of their death. Mr. Robert Harris in- 
vited the party to breakfast ; after which they repaired to the 
grave of the elder Harris, on the river bank, where the old 
chieftain sobbed audibly as he pressed the soil which covered the 
remains of one whom, from his earliest infancy, he had been 
taught to regard as the red man's friend. 

" Thither once, in slow procession, 
Came the children of the forest, 
They whose ancestors 'were rulers 
Of the realm that we inhabit. 

To that solemn delegation 
From the tribes of forest-people, 
Spake the pale-faced friend who led them. 
In whose guardianship they trusted, 
Told them how * * * 

* ir % -» * 

He, who loYed his red-brow'd children. 
When the toils of war were over. 
Dwelt in peace 'neath yonder roof-tree, 
Sow'd the corn, and reap'd the wheat-sheaf, 
And when all his days were number'd, 
Slumber'd in that tomb beside them, 
While the earth stood up to praise him. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ' 373 

But they paus'd and changed their manner, 
Bowing down their heads and weeping, 
Round the tomb more closely gathering, 
Pour'd a solemn dirge of sorrow, 
So prolong'd and so despairing, 
That the very birds who heard it. 
Lingering 'mid the nested branches. 
Closed their wings and caught the cadence. 

Mournful 'mid that hallowed scenery. 

Echoing thro' that vista'd foliage. 

Sighing o'er the funeral cypress, 

Rose that wild and deep lamenting 

Of the downcast forest-dwellers. 

Like forsaken children, wailing, 

Hopeless o'er a buried father." — Mrs. Sigournet. 

FIRST ANTHRACITE COAL USED IN THE BOROUGH. 

Valentine Hummel, Sr., distinctly remembers tte first anthra- 
cite coal used in the borough. It was from Wilkesbarre, and 
was brought here in an ark, on the river. The entire load was 
sold to Jacob, Boas, Esq., and was at that time considered more 
than sufficient to supply Harrisburg for a year. Mr. Hummel 
thinks this occurrence was in the year 1810 or 1811. 

ALEXANDER GRAYDON, ESQ. 

The following biographical sketch of the first Prothonotary of 
Dauphin county originally appeared in the Philadelphia Monthly 
Magazine for April, 1829 : 

" Among the contributors to the Port Folio was Alexander 
Graydon, author of a delightful book, entitled ' Memoirs of a 
Life chiefly passed in Pennsylvania.' He was an officer for a 
short time in the revolutionary army, and his book contains many 
graphic sketches of occurrences of that eventful period. He 
wrote with much pleasantry, and seldom fails to impress, in vivid 
colors, his pictures on the imagination of the reader. Graydon 



374 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

was born on the 10th of April, 1752, in the village of Bristol. 
His father, who had been designed for the pulpit, left Ireland 
in 1730, and on his arrival in America directed his attention to 
mercantile pursuits, and afterwards to the law. In 1761, the 
subject of our notice lost his father, whose property being inade- 
quate to the support of his widow, she removed to Philadelphia, 
and established a boarding house. Mr. Graydon received the 
rudiments of the Latin language from Mr. Beveridge, and at 
the age of sixteen commenced the study of the law. During 
this probation he acquired some knowledge of the French lan- 
guage. In January, 1776, he received a captain's commission 
in the battalion under the command of Col. Cadwalader. In 
the spring of the same year his regiment was ordered to New 
York, and in November surrendered to the British, at Fort 
Washington. 

It was not until the early part of 1778 that he was exchanged, 
and he did not afterwards resume his station in the army. He 
now married; was admitted to the bar; and in 1785 was ap- 
pointed Prothonotary of the county of Dauphin, which office he 
held until the election of Governor M'Kean, when he was re- 
moved on account of his political opinions. 

His reading must have been extensive. He wrote political 
essays in Fenno's Gazette, in 1797, and at different periods con- 
tributed to the Port Folio. He died in 1818, in Philadelphia, 
aged about sixty-five. In stature he was beneath the common 
size, and in his youth remarkably active ; possessing an intelli- 
gent countenance, which became animated in conversation. He 
has been thus described : ' He was one of the few survivors of 
that old school of accomplished gentlemen which flourished be- 
fore our Revolution, at a period when the courtesy of society was 
not disturbed by insubordination in systems, nor violated by 
laxity in sentiments. In his youth, Mr, Graydon was remark- 
able for the elegance of his person, and he retained that advan- 
tage in an uncommon degree until his latest hour.' He had pro- 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 375 

jected a revised and an enlarged edition of his Memoirs, but 
died before he had made much progress." 

A revised and enlarged edition of Mr. Graydon's Memoirs 
was published in 1846, by Mr. Littell, of Philadelphia. 

DISTINGUISHED FOREIGNERS IN HARRISBURG. 

In the spring of 1842, the English novelist, Charles Dickens, 
accompanied by his wife, being on a tour through the United 
States and Canadas, visited Harrisburg on their way from Bal- 
timore to Pittsburg. They remained here over night and the 
following forenoon, at the Eagle Hotel, then kept by Henry 
Buehler, Esq., a brother of the present occupant. The distin- 
guished author gives an amusing account of this visit in his 
" American Notes for General Circulation," published after his 
return to England, and celebrated for their severe reflections 
upon the institutions and manners of our countrymen. 

In the same year. Prince de Joinville, a son of Louis Phil- 
lippe, King of the French, who was likewise on a tour through 
the United States, arrived in the borough from Pittsburg, en 
route for Philadelphia. The Prince's suite embraced several 
distinguished French noblemen. The party ate dinner at Mat- 
thew Wilson's Hotel. 

In the spring of 1858, Lord Napier and Count de Sartiges, 
the former the English, and the latter the French minister 
near our Government, accompanied by Sir William Gore Ouse- 
ley, English embassador, arrived in the borough en route for 
Reading. During their stay here, the distinguished gentlemen 
were the guests of Gen. Simon Cameron. 

In " Graydon's Memoirs," mention is made of the author being 
visited at Harrisburg, in 1790 or 1791, by the Count de No- 
ailles, M. Fallon, M. de Blacons, Capt. Boilleau, and other dis- 
tinguished Frenchmen, and in 1795, by the Due de Rochefou- 
cault Liancourt, the celebrated French traveller. 



376 ANNALS OP HARKISBURQ. 

THE EASTERN SWAMP. 

Among the remarkable changes in the appearance of the bor- 
ough within the memory of the present generation, is that which 
has been made on its eastern border. 

The compiler distinctly remembers when the site of the pre- 
sent handsome depot of the Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad 
was occupied by a board-yard, owned, we think, by David Lin- 
gle, Sr. The ground in its vicinity was exceedingly swampy, 
which made it a favorite place of resort for idle school boys, who 
would find a great source of amusement in pelting bull-frogs 
and snapping-turtles, which abounded there. 

At this time, and until about fifteen years ago, the land lay- 
ing between the Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad and Second 
streets, as far north as the east end of Rasberry alley, was cov- 
ered with a sheet of stagnant water. Along its southern edge, 
fronting on Second street, was a long row of lusty willow trees, 
whose branches in the spring of the year were much sought after 
by the boys to make " whistles" with. 

In the svinter time this pond was a famous skating place ; and 
we have often seen hundreds of people taking their holiday and 
pleasure upon its frozen surface. Groups of ladies would not 
unfrequently assemble on the bank at Second street, watching 
the gay and animating scene before them. 

Upon one occasion a lady, we believe from the State of Con- 
necticut, made her appearance on the frozen pond with a pair of 
skates, which a companion buckled to her feet, and in a few mo- 
ments, without the aid of gentle or simple, she arose to an erect 
posture, and floated off like a swan. She was a fine skater, and 
the people watched with pleasure the grace and freedom and 
beauty of her movements. So admirable a person, of so exqui- 
site a figure, and such perfect art in her evolutions, seemed to 
marry motion to music, beauty and poetry, and indeed to em- 
body and represent them all. Away she would sweep through 



ANNALS OP HAKRISBURG. 377 

lines of human beings, making dense masses separate to let her 
pass, and attracting all eyes after her. 

Among the male skaters who at all times were discernible as 
being decidedly superior to the rest for dexterity, power and 
grace, were, within our recollection, Messrs. Peter Weaver, Alex. 
Hamilton, John Lingle, E. S. German, C. Alward, Amos Cleck- 
ner, John Martin, David J. Krause, not forgetting, by the way, 
Jim Battis, a mulatto, who, from his muscle and powerful move- 
ments, might have sprang, as did the noble Moor, from " men 
of royal seige." In swiftness he had no competitor; he out- 
stripped the wind ; and his actions were very imposing in ap- 
pearance and effect. Of the gentlemen previously named, Mr. 
Weaver took the lead in graceful skating, and in superior dex- 
terity in cutting " high dutch'^ within a limited space of smooth 
ice. 

The compiler also recollects seeing the remains of " Maclay's 
swamp," noticed previously, between Third and Second streets, 
and North and South streets. This was also a favorite place for 
skaters in winter time, especially that part of it below State 
street, as the wing walls of the arch over which said street 
passed the swamp, formed a comfortable barrier against the rude 
'* nor' westers." 

RELICS OF THE "OLDEN TIME." 

A lady friend, whose contributions to the newspapers are much 
admired for their vigor and piquancy, has, at the compiler's re- 
quest, very kindly furnished the following letter, descriptive of 
the numerous relics of the " olden time" preserved with great 
care in the State Departments at this place. Aside from its 
merits as a literary production, it will form a convenient guide 
to those of our citizens and strangers who feel an interest in, 
and desire to inspect the objects it so vividly describes : 

" To-day has been one of the pages in my life's-book, whose 
corner I will turn down as a mark for future reference, and upon 

48 



378 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

whose margin I will write " sunny memories," for sucli will its 
recollection ever be to me. Like the miser who daily adds one 
more piece of money to his shining heap, yet pauses most lov- 
ingly over the bit of old gold which perchance was the begin- 
ning of his precious hoard, so I fancy, years hence, I will select 
from among my store of pleasant remembrances, this fragment 
of pure ore which I picked up in the mine of a few hours' de- 
sultory wanderings, and upon which I have built a peculiar rev- 
erence for the gallant Keystone State and its noble capital. 
Stopping a while at Harrisburg, en route for Pittsburg, the po- 
lite landlord of our hotel proposed that we should visit the pub- 
lic buildings, and examine their curiosities. Of course I gladly 
assented, feeling a strong desire to see a locality around which 
clustered so many varied associations ; but never dreamed that 
each one of the imposing edifices was, as I found them, in itself 
a casket whose rare treasures would gladden the eyes of the 
most fastidious antiquary. 

There is a heart interest in these objects differing widely from 
the sensations created by a view of articles of virtu, rendered 
curious alone by their mere originality and rarity ; for they are 
not only the well preserved jewels of Pennsylvania's great com- 
monwealth, but some of them, like the magic stone which turned 
whatever it touched into gold, need but be handled by any true 
American to have his patriotism thrilled by a new emotion, and 
the lustre of his devotion to his country made brighter by per- 
sonal contact with some of the yet living links with the times 
and things which helped to make it free. Presuming upon your 
desire to know every minutiae which has assisted to build up 
my new enthusiasm, I will give you a detailed account of what 
I saw and felt in the exact order of their succession. 

Entering the park through its eastern gate, we ascended the 
boardwalk a few yards, then turning to the right into a wide 
path which diverged from it at right angles, we walked over its 
pebbled surface, and between its fringed borders of dewy grass, 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 379 

directly into the main entrance of a large pagoda-like looking 
building, known as the State Arsenal. Its lower hall bore none 
of the insignia of '^ glorious war'' in its placid surroundings. 
The cleanly-swept floor, white-washed walls, cheerful sunshine 
streaming in through the polished window panes, and huge piles 
of sacking — which in my ignorance I mistook for salt bags, but 
which proved to be the folded tents just returned from a neigh- 
boring encampment — combined to give the place rather a do- 
mestic appearance than otherwise. However, upon mounting 
into- the second story, the scene, like from a quiet, grassy, flower- 
laden meadow into a blood-stained battle-field, suddenly changed; 
for standing in racks, packed in boxes, stacked in corners, and 
hanging with soldier-like precision upon rows of nails, we found 
almost every variety of military accoutrements. A vast quan- 
tity of " small arms" used in the revolutionary war, now useless 
in point of fact, yet still preserved for their undying associa- 
tions, occupy different niches in the rooms ; but decidedly the 
" curiosities'' of the place are four beautiful brass cannon, (six- 
pounders,) which were brought to this country in the fleet of 
Count d'Estang, and presented by Lafayette to the Continental 
Congress. All are highly finished, bearing upon their polished 
surface and exquisite carving, evidences of that superior work- 
manship and Parisian taste, which, whether in the moulding of 
a thundering cannon or in the forming of a child's tiny toy, are 
yet unrivalled. They closely resemble each other in shape, dif- 
fering only in the mottoes with which each pair is labelled. 
Their handles are carved to represent two dolphins, with bodies 
raised in the centre. Encircling the breach of one is the in- 
scription, "■ A. Donay, Par., Berringer, 1756." Upon the mid- 
dle of the top surface is a plate, upon which the figures of a sun, 
crown, cannon and flags are gracefully combined, crowned by 
the words "Nee pluribus impar;" while the other, bearing the 
French orifiamme — a bunch of lilies with spear points at the 
edges — has beneath it, half wreathing the muzzle, the strangely 



380 ANNALS OF HAURISBURG. 

significant warning, " Ultima ratio Regnum." Botli letters and 
figures are in bas-relief, and for tlie work of one century ago, 
choice specimens of admirable skill. Each one, " like a warrior 
taking his rest," now lies undisturbed, having never since they 
were deposited here been used for any fiercer strife than to vie 
with human tongues in a welcome to their great-hearted donor, 
when, in 1824, he visited Harrisburg ; and for no less nobler 
cause than to swell the glad shout of some national rejoicing, I 
fervently pray, may they never again burn powder. 

Here are also preserved ia honorable seclusion two other brass 
cannon — the one a six, the other an eighteen-pounder— which 
were captured at Cerra Gordo by the American army. The 
former, cast in Mexico, contains at the breach the inscription 
" El Pegaso," in raised letters, and engraved near its muzzle 
these words: "Captured at Cerra Grordo, April 18, 1847, by 
the American army under Major General Scott. Presented to 
the State of Pennsylvania by Major General Patterson.'^ The 
latter was manufactured at Liverpool, England, in 1824, and 
bears a similar inscription. 

Leaving the Arsenal, with its fearful treasures and victor's 
spoils, we traversed a paved avenue, between trees whose broad 
branches mingled their October-tinted foliage above our heads ; 
beneath a blue sky whose glories were half veiled by clouds of 
early autumn's golden mists; beside rare groupings of swelling 
mounds, evergreens and grassy embankments, and upon stones 
which echoed to the tripping of merry little feet, as children, 
happy as humming birds, flitted across our path, sipping the 
sweets of the morning hours, until, reaching the sandstone steps 
leading up to the Land Office, we paused for an instant to ex- 
amine a splendid specimen of the India tree, accacia catechu, 
which some enterprising botanist has reared until it is thor- 
oughly acclimated, and from which exudes the catechouc, to 
whose preservative qualities we all stand so much indebted. 
Within the Land Office,, with its tiled floor, rows of high desks, 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 381 

pigeon holes filled with dry, dusty old land warrants, and mas- 
sive tomes which looked sufficiently solemn and dignified to con- 
tain all the written wisdom of the world's mighty Solons, we saw 
many quaint specimens of chirography, as unique as they are 
beautiful. There are deeds of transfer of land to and from the 
brothers Penn and their cotemporaries, drawn upon wide sheets 
of heavy parchment, and bearing their separate signatures ; a 
large book in which is a list of names of the persons proscribed 
by the authorities as traitors during the Revolution : an original 
letter from William Penn directed " to the Emperor of Canada," 
his autograph written with a bold firmness, so characteristic of 
the writer ; and copied records of land titles and warrants issued 
near one hundred years ago, which, while the fingers that traced 
them have long since mouldered into dust, still retain a fresh- 
ness and exceeding beauty of color and form which our modern 
scribes may try in vain to surpass. There is also preserved in 
this office two small blocks of wood — the one of beach, the other 
of hemlock — that were once produced before the State Board of 
Property as evidence respecting certain land boundary lines. 
The blocks were cut so as to exhibit all the annual rings of the 
growth of the wood, and their number was the testimony re- 
quired. A shrewd defendant was the producer of these mute 
witnesses, for well he seemed to know that, though man may 
often err, nature never lies. 

Upon entering the Representative Chamber, after admiring 
the taste and elegant fitness evinced in its various adornments, 
we wondered to see behind the Speaker's desk a plain, old-fash^ 
ioned, high-backed, leather-cushioned walnut chair, standing out 
in bold relief from the mass of silken drapery which festoons 
the pillars and back of this legislative pulpit ; but every feeling 
was soon absorbed in the one emotion of veneration when we 
were told that in it John Hancock sat when he signed the De- 
claration of Independence with a force that showed it icas never 
meant to he erased, and from which he also signed Lafayette's 



382 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



commission in the Continental army. For a brief moment I too 
rested between tbe friendly arms which have enclosed the forms 
of noble heroes, and whose light clasp seemed a hallowed em- 
brace ; and I did wish most earnestly that, by the thrilling mem- 
ories of its past uses, it possessed the power to shake off from 
its merest touch the form of any man, however high his official 
station, who would bring to the spot on which whole-souled pa- 
triots once reposed, a heart so full of party prejudices and po- 
litical rancor that love for the real interest of his country could 
find in it no place. 

Crossing the gaily frescoed rotunda, through whose circular 
galleries our softest footfall resounded like the tread of mailed 
men, and along whose frescoed walls our eyes wandered up, up, 
up, to the sunlit dome, as if involuntarily measuring step by 
step their harmonious gradations of light and shade, we passed 
into the Senate Chamber. That I did not immediately upon 
entering drop a low and reverent courtesy to the two fine look- 
ing gentlemen who seemed standing against the farthest wall, 
was because the impulse was cheeked by a second glance, during 
which I saw that a broad gilt frame surrounded each one, and 
that they were but painted fac-similes of their distinguished ori- 
ginals, Washington and Penn; yet they are majestic in size, and 
reputed to be exceeding life-like. They were painted by au- 
thority of a resolution of the Senate, about the year 1827-8, 
and depict both men when in the prime of their ripened man- 
hood. Not far from them, and rendered conspicuous by their 
own striking beauty, are two small paintings representing the 
heads, life size, of those illustrious adventurers, Columbus and 
Americus Vespucius. They are the work of a celebrated artist 
of Florence, Italy, painted at the order of Commodore Elliott, 
of the United States Navy, and presented by him to this State. 
They are said to be faithful copies of the very few portraits ever 
taken of them. I do not possess any artistic skill — am even 
ignorant of the application of those technical terms, " tone. 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 383 

breadth, depth," &c., so mucli in use by connoisseurs — but the 
most uneducated eye cannot fail, like mine, to be arrested by 
the warm, mellow, summer sunset glow in which those heads 
seem bathed, and which light up every feature as though a soul 
gleamed through them. There is that particularly depicted 
upon the face of Columbus suggestive of a world of thought, as 
the artist, with seeming knowledge of his indomitable energy, 
has imprisoned in his &jq a flash of that dauntless courage and 
firm determination which won him immortality amongst men ; 
and while reverencing the God-given attributes of the one, we 
equally admire the genius which portrayed upon the dull can- 
vass the fleshy tabernacle in which they dwelt. 

Another large painting, interesting from its local associations, 
records a startling event in the life of John Harris, the first 
white settler on the spot where Plarrisburg now stands, namely, 
the attempt made by the Indians to burn him. He is repre- 
sented as bound to a huge mulberry tree, growing but a few rods 
from his mansion. Groups of fierce looking Indians, with their 
hideous faces, and in warrior costume, surround him, some piling 
the faggots about his tied feet, others looking on with an expres- 
sion of fiendish satisfaction playing upon each swarthy face, while 
calm as a Christian martyr their victim seems to await his doom. 
The beautiful Susquehanna stretches out before him, while cut- 
ting through the flashing waters a canoe filled with friendly In- 
dians are seen hastening to his rescue. The scenery of the pic- 
ture was suggested to the artist (who had accompanied the cele- 
brated Catlin among the Indians) by a grandson of the first 
settler, the late Eobert Harris, Esq., in whose boyhood days the 
foundation walls and some of the timbers of the block house 
visible on the right side of the picture, were still remaining. 
The entire grouping, then, is supposed to be very accurate, and 
delineates a fact in the history of this borough which the pen 
of wildest romance could not make more vivid. Standing on 
one of the mantel-pieces in this Chamber is a small marble eagle, 



384 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

also presented to the State by Commodore Elliott, and carved 
by a common sailor on board his ship, out of a bit of a marble 
pillar from the ruins of Alexandria, Egypt. The worthy Com- 
modore, in speaking of the sculptor, said : " He was a most ex- 
cellent seaman, but strongly addicted to intemperance when on 
shore." 

The transition from the cheerful looking Senatorial Hall into 
the still more inviting State Library, was made in a chase up a 
flight of broad stairs ; but once within this — I had almost said 
sanctuary — where the workings of so many mighty minds were 
revealed to our desires, the previous gratification of sight alone 
was increased by the new incentives offered us to touch, think 
and feel. Our first look upward to the galleries revealed, sus- 
pended from them, several maiine paintings of the battle of Lake 
Erie, their frames veneered with oak wood taken from " Old 
Ironsides," (the frigate Constitution,) and likewise the gifts of 
the liberal Commodore Elliott. 

Among the thousands of volumes of choice literature here 
displayed, whose gilded titles glanced at hurriedly, are enough 
to inflict upon a greedy scholar the pangs of Tantalus, we saw 
some that were printed in the seventeenth century, and handled 
one — the complete works of Seneca — which, bearing the date of 
1503, is now three hundred and fifty years old. It really has a 
very ancient look, with its whitish gray back, rough edged 
leaves faintly tinged with Time's yellow, and wise, learned 
sounding Latin sentences; and if I treated it with marked re- 
spect, what wonder ! seeing that I did not understand one word 
of its philosophical contents. But more than all these mental 
gems is an object which, if ever there is built in the United 
States a national Temple, should be its altar ; I mean a table 
which has recently been discovered, and authenticated to be the 
veritable one upon which the Declaration of Independence was 
signed ! It is made of mahogany, in the style of an old fash- 
ioned escretoire, with small drawers beneath it ; is six feet long," 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 385 

and nearly three feet higii. Its antiquated appearance among 
so mucTi modern furniture, renders no other introduction to a 
stranger necessary. 

In the reception room of the gubernatorial apartments, in the 
rear of the State Treasury buildings, are, executed in the high- 
est style of finish, the oil-painted portraits of twenty-two Gov- 
ernors of Pennsylvania, commencing with William Penn, as he 
appeared iu 1666, dressed in a full suit of mail, with long dark 
hair flowing over his shoulders like a girl's; succeeded by Gor- 
don, Logan, Richard Penn, John Penn, Wharton, Moore, Frank- 
lin, Mifliia, M'Kean, Snyder, Findlay, Heister, Shultz, Wolf, 
Ritner, Porter, Shunk, Johnston, Bigler, Pollock, and ending 
with the present winning, manly looking incumbent, William 
F. Packer. 

Suspended in glass cases along the walls of this apartment are 
also certificates of the election of the first Presidents and Vice 
Presidents of the Colonial Assembly, each signed by all the mem- 
bers who participated in the election ; also, the first constitution 
of Pennsylvania, and the charter of Charles 11. to William Penn, 
both inscribed on parchment, and the latter a specimen of splen- 
did fancy penmanship. In one of the corners will be found two 
lances, and a musket with bayonet, captured by the Americans 
during a Mexican battle. But decidedly the most interesting 
feature of this airy room is a glass cabinet containing some State 
relics, almost as highly prized for their age as the stirring events 
of which they once formed a part, and for which they now serve 
as living indices of their early history. In it is a flag taken , 
from the Hessians at the battle of Trenton, now a bundle of 
moth-eaten, faded silk ; a package of yellow, torn letters, bein^ 
fragments of a genuine correspondence between Alex. Hamilton 
and Franklin ; also, letters from Washington and Robert Hun- 
ter Morris, with their respective signatures ; the original char- 
ter, on a roll of long, board-like parchment, of Charles II. to 

49 



386 ANNALS OP HARRISBURa. 

William Penn, for the province of Pennsylvania ; and sundry 
laws passed between the periods of 1682 and 1690. A hun- 
dred old deeds of conveyance of land sold by the Indians to the 
proprietors, and bearing the Indian signatures or marks, some 
of which would puzzle a naturalist, as there is surely nothing 
above, on, or under the earth like to them — snakes, lizards, tur- 
tles, birds, bears, deers, foxes, elks — almost every specimen of 
the animal tribes are endeavored to be represented as their signs 
manual ; and if they failed to be very artistically drawn, their 
entire originality is worthy of much praise A few of the names 
are rather euphonious — such as La Kachquontas, Chienoched, 
Qual-pagh-ach, and Canassetoga — admitting, however, of no pet 
abbreviations ; and the best proof of their simple wants and 
blissful ignorance is, that one of the " considerations" named 
in a deed of conveyance of land, was a handful of fish-hooks. 
Here are also large seals of beeswax, stamped with devices that 
would puzzle the most ingenious to decipher; a mass of conti- 
nental money, or more properly speaking, sliinplasters, from the 
denomination of one shilling to ten pounds sterling, and pieces 
of brass and copper money which are a study for the curious. 
The former is a rectangular shaped piece of brass, about three 
inches long, one inch broad, and one-sixteenth of an inch thick. 
It is very handsomely engraved on one side with numerous flour- 
ishes, amid which are the words fourteen and sixteen shillings, 
thus : 




The copper piece is three and a half inches long, nearly a 
half inch wide, and about an eighth of an inch thick, also hand- 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 887 

somely engraved "with flourishes, something like the follow- 
ing: 




This money is supposed to have been in use during the in- 
fancy of the colony, and most probably the brass piece was 
one of the " broad shillings" so often alluded to in old-time 
annals. 

Within this case are also three of the massive silver medals 
that were struck by authority of the Legislature for presentation 
to the Pennsylvania volunteers who participated in the battle of 
Lake Erie, bearing the names respectively of " Isaac B. Sill," 
"Jacob Levensetter," and "John Cook;" but as yet neither 
they nor their descendants have appeared to claim them. The 
medals are alike in size and appearance, being two inches in 
diameter, an eighth of an inch thick, and contain four dollars 
worth of silver. One side has on them a bust of Perry, encir- 
cled by the words, " Oliverus Hazard Perry Pro Patria." " Pre- 
sented by the Government of Pennsylvania." The reverse side 
bears the legend, " We have met the enemy, and they are ours ;" 
and within a wreath is engraved — 

" [The recipient's name] 

In testimony of his patriotism and bravery 

in the naval action on Lake Erie, 

September 10, 1813." 

With the re-closed lid of this glass case our examination of 
the Capitol's hoarded " curiosities" was completed ; but upon 
mounting into the dome, and taking a view from its elevated 
height, we felt that our visit would have been as nothing had 
we missed the magnificent panorama by which we were sur- 
rounded. I would but mislead your imagination by attempting 
to convey to you an impression of the scenic beauty which for 



388 ANNALS OF HARRISBTTRG. 

a while almost bewildered me ; but tliink, if you can, of a vast 
girdle of far-off, distant, misty blue hills, faintly defined upon 
the horizon; against them put rows of towering, uneven, but 
withal gently sloping mountains, purple, black, or darkly blue, 
just as each drifting cloud shadows them ; within this inner zone 
scatter the loveliest valleys of which you can conceive ; green 
meadows ; wooded hills ; golden purple groves ; brown fields, 
resting from the gleanings of a bounteous harvest ; villages dot- 
ting the country here and there with the most charming irregu- 
larity 5 farm-houses and farms, each in themselves a little Ar- 
cadia ; countless roads diverging from one common centre, and 
winding about until in the distance they look like the tiny trail 
which a child's stick makes in the sand ; a broad, silvery river, 
looking in the sunshine like liquid light, reproducing on its clear 
surface the wonderful beauty which lines either bank ; studded 
with green islands that " blossom like the rose," spanned by 
splendid bridges, as delicate in their appearance as lace work or 
fillagree, yet supporting hundreds of tons daily ; in the heart of 
all see a city, whose factories, furnaces, churches, majestic pub- 
lic buildings, handsome private residences and attractive suburbs 
betokens prosperity, intelligence, cultivation, wealth and con- 
stant improvement ; over the whole throw that peculiar coleur 
de rohe with which the heart in its happiest moments paints all 
it loves, and you will have a faint, very faint, idea of the aspect 
of Dauphin county as seen from that Capitol's dome. 

Leaving the park, with its wealth of choice shrubbery, noble 
trees, brown-eyed deer and singing birds, we wended our steps 
down Front street, to where, almost at its extreme end, is still 
standing the trunk of the tree to which Harris was tied. His 
body is buried at its foot, A handsome iron railing encloses the 
small lot, between whose bars woodbiues, honeysuckles and roses, 
planted there by the hands of his descendants, gracefully wind 
their clinging tendrils. The upright trunk is his only monu- 
ment; but none other is needed, for his memory, inseparably 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 389 

linked with the history of Harrisburg, needs no graven marble 
to chronicle the spot where his dust reposes. 

And now, sir, being a little wearied with the last two hours' 
exercise, and ansious, too, to effect your release from this rather 
long letter, I will add nothing more, save that Harrisburg is one 
of the most interesting towns the sun ever shone on ; and I am, 
as ever, yours devotedly, Nina. 



The compiler concludes his labors by presenting to the reader 
the following beautiful poem, descriptive of an incident recorded 
on page 10 of the ''Annals." It was written by A. J. Herr, 
Esq., present District Attorney of Dauphin county, and origi- 
nally contributed by him to the " Home Journal," a literary 
paper published at New York, by Messrs. Morris & Willis : 

THE RESCUE. 
A LEGEND OP BY-GONE TIMES. 

BY A. J. HERE. 

The Summer had swept with its burning wing 
The beautiful brow of the fair young Spring ; 
The zenith was tinged with a golden glow, 
While blazing Sol sublimely sunk below 
The lofty hills, with dark green woodlands crown'd, 
Bathing their tops with mellow glory round. 
'Twas the bright month of June, when Nature fills 
The fields with flowers ; and o'er an hundred hills 
The gush of bloom and beauty filled the eye, 
Heightened by rich reflections from the sky. 
The gorgeous banks of Susquehanna's stream, 
(Where many a dark-eyed Indian damsel's dream 
Had been of some loved warrior or brave sire, 
When burned upon the shore the council fire,) 
Were in the season's fairest beauty dressed ; 
While on the river's gently rolling breast 
Two verdant islands to the eye were given, 
As if suspended between earth and heaven. 

49 * 



890 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Beneath the surface of the silvery wave 
Two other islands dim reflection gave ; 
And far around, in rugged grandeur, rose 
The ragged, rocky cliffs, in grim repose ; 
Yet graced with green by Nature, and so gay, 
They lost the wildness of the wintry day. 

See on yon bank, with solemn visage pale, 
His white locks streaming in the evening gale, 
A tall and stately man surveys the scene, 
So deck'd by Nature with rich gold and green ; 
In simple garb of solemn drab surveys 
That aged man the wise Creator's ways ; 
While in his ear the still small voice reveals 
The goodness of that God, and his heart feels 
That all the beauty that his eye covild scan 
Was made to gratify ungrateful man. 
He gazed upon the sinking sun sublime, 
The dark blue hills, that spurn'd the tooth of time, 
The rushing river and the forest wide, 
Then blessed that God who all his wants supplied. 

Hark ! heard you not the Indian's awful whoop ? 
Beware! beware! old man, that murderous troop ! 
They have been tasting of the mad'ning bowl. 
And savage feeling flames in every soul — 
In every heart there is a hell; and oh ! 
If rum thou hast not, thou art doomed to woe. 
Their glittering knives e'en now methinks I see. 
Ready to reek with gore, old man, from thee. 

Oh ! shame that white man should to Indians bear 
That curse that brings but death and dark despair; 
That they their vices, not their virtues give, 
And sooner doom to death than bid them live 
Soon will the last lone Indian bow before 
The setting sun, the last time to adore ; 
Ere one more century, with step sublime. 
Shall march adown the distant tide of time. 
The race of red men will have passed away. 
And classic scholars as they shall survey 
Their mounds and monuments, and relics rare. 
Will ask what manner of beings they were. 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 391 

But see ! around the old man is that band ! 
Each tongue is mute, but stretched is every hand. 
A shout uprose, each lip joins in the cry, 
While vengeance flames in every flashing eye ; 
The good old man, reflecting on the curse, 
And all the evils that it brings far worse. 
Gently refuses the request, in tones 
That meek humility only owns. 
Quick as a flash of lightning from the sky. 
Rolls down the river bank the dreadful cry — 
" The stake !" while from the cloud-capped hills there came 
Echo's sound, till heav'n hurled it back again. 
Unmoved by threats, the fearless old man stands, 
Folded upon his breast his harmless hands ; 
"Indians," said he, "to thee I freely fell 
The goods of life, but not the ills of hell ; 
Taste not the accursed draught, 'twill prove to thee 
Eternal death — eternal misery." 

Scarce had the words from his lips fell 
Ere thro' the woodlands rung a long, loud yell — 
" Death to the trader !" burst in one wild cry. 
But steady still was that brave old man's eye ; 
He feared not death if duty found a grave. 
And violated virtue must life save. 

Inflamed with rage, the red-browed race leap'd up 
Resolved to force from him the damning cup 
Seizing the bold old man, they rudely bore 
His unresisting form along the shore ; 
He plead nor prayed to them, but smiled alone. 
Pointing above to the great AVhite Throne. 
Foaming with wrath, beneath a primeval tree, 
They bound his limbs to mark his agony : 
But Harris saw beyond the verge of time 
A power Omnipotent, a power sublime. 
Who from his arms, could rend the strongest chain. 
And bid him rise, unscathed, unharmed again 
Lashed to the tree, the Indians build the pyre. 
And pile up faggots ready for the fire ; 
The blazing torch with shouts they now apply. 
Shouts that run echoing through the vaulted sky. 



392 ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 

But still that good old man, with quiet gaze, 
Beholds around, unmoved, the bursting blaze ; 
Nor heeds he now the dusky forms that there 
Are waiting for the shrieks of his despair ; 
His pious spirit, at the chrystal gates 
Of heaven in faith, for succor calmly waits. 

Wildly the dance of death begins ; the flame 
Like living viper coils around his frame. 
But hark ! from yonder woody shore now glide 
Three bark canoes across the rapid tide ; 
The rescuing Indians leap on shore to save 
Their pale faced "father" frouj a dismal grave. 
" Onward, to save him !" cries the brave young ihief ; 
With gleaming knives they fly to his relief; 
Back, back they drive the inebriated throng, 
Who, mad with frenzy, chaunt the wild death song ; 
Sev'ring the bonds which bound him to the tree. 
Again beneath the heavens he stood free ; 
Unscathed he was, and fearless still his eye. 
For his soul's trust was in his God on High. 
And what is man if in that trust undone ? 
His heart's a waste, a world without a sun. 



INDEX 



An Indian's revenge, 

A dangerous candlestick, 

Address from the settlers, . 

Attempt to fix the federal seat of government at Harrisburg, 

Attorneys, list of. 

Academy, Harrisburg, 

Aerial Club, 



"Buckshot War," 
Brant's City Hall, . 
Baptist Churcii, 
Bethel, (colored,) , 
Bible Society, Harrisburg, 
Beneficial Society, Harrisburg, 

German, 
B'nai B'rith, (Salem Lodge,) 
Building Association, . 
Banks and Savings Institutions 
Bridges, 

Buffalo killed in Harrisburg, 
Bear killed near Harrisburg, 



Council with the Indians, . 
Contemplated Massacre at Paxton Church, 
Citizens of Paxton and Derry offer their services. 
Changes in the name of the town. 
Curious case of swindling, . • . 

Court House, first, . . . , 

present, its cost, 

description of, . 
Capitol, State, its cost, 

laying the corner-stone of, 

50 



21 

21 
44 

77 
235 
299 



197 
254 
289 
292 
300 
320 
321 
322 
324 
326 
343 
361 
362 

46 

50 

61 

83 

86 

84 

89 

232 

144 

145 



394 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG 



Capitol, State, furnisMng, 

first occupancy of, 

description of. 
Correspondence between the citizens of Harrisburg 

Department, .... 

Cameron Gfuards, 

return of, 
Cotton Factory, .... 
Cemetery, .... 

Church of God, .... 
Catholic Church, 

Common Schools, .... 
Christian Association, Young Men's, . 
Cumberland Valley, 
Chimney-sweeping monopoly, . 
Coal, anthracite, first used in the borough, 

Death of Half-King, . 

Dauphin county, erection of. 

Deeds of conveyance of John Harris, 

Deeds for public grounds, with their dates, 

Depot, Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad, 

Lebanon Valley railroad, . 
Dauphin Guard, 
Derivations, 
Dancing and dancing masters, . 

Expedition to Mahanoy creek, 
Earthquake at Harrisburg, 
Execution of convicts. 
Exchange, (Masonic Hall,) 
Episcopal Church, 
Evangelical Association, 
Eintracht, . 

Eagle Nests, 



Ferry right, grant of, to John Harris, 
French and Indian war, 
First Court at Harrisburg, 
Fire in 1813, . 



Jr., 



and 



ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 



395 



Fire in 1819, 

in 1828, . 

in 1838, 
Flood in tlie Susquehanna in 1846, 
Female Seminary, 

College, Pennsylvania, 
Flash Boat Club, . 
Free Masonry, 
Fire department, . 
First born. 

Fairs, ..... 

Foreigners, distinguished, at Harrisburg, 

Graydon, Alexander, on sickness at Harrisburg, 
on Washington's visit, . 
biography of. 

Gas works, ..... 

German Reformed Church, 

Good Templars, .... 

Gymnasium, .... 

Harris, John, Sr., his first settlement, 

becomes an Indian trader, 

his mansion on the Susquehanna, . 

condemned to be burned; his rescue, 

his Indian neighbors, 

commenced a clearing on the Juniata, 

his real estate possessions, 

his religious views, 

his death, .... 

his burial place, 
Ilai-ris, John, Jr., his birth, .... 

letters of, on the state of the country, 

in reference to Indian massacres, 
original and miscellaneous, 

and family threatened with death, . 

furnishes supplies to Congress, 

looks after the resources of the country, 

proposes to lay out a town at his ferry, 

offers his services to transport supplies, 



37, 
52, 



396 



ANNALS OP HARRISBURG. 



Jolin Harris, Jr., his mansion to let, . 

death of, . 
Harris ferry a supply depot for the army, 

town laid out at, 

seat of government at, predicted, 

to let, .... 
Harrisburg, appearance of, when first laid out, 

incorporated, . . . 

limits of, incorporated. 

Library Company, 

theatre at, in 1796, 

earthquake at, . 

in 1808-9-10-11, 

removal of Legislature to, 

during the second war of independence, 

canal company, 

riot at, .... 

Lancasterian school at, 

first water in canal at, 

great snow storm at, 

water power at, . . . 

meteoric shower at, 

first arrival of railroad cars at, 

"buckshot war" at, 

at present, .... 
Hospital, Pennsylvania State Lunatic, 
Home Mission, Young Men's, 
Harmonic Society, .... 



. 112 

89 

. 66 

72 

. 76 

112 

. 80 

87 

. 88 

115 
. 116 

123 
. 123 

136 
. 155 

168 
. 180 

183 
. 191 

192 
. 193 

194 
. 196 

197 
. 222 

260 
. 305 

309 



Indian remains, 
visitors, 

massacre at Mahanoy creek, 
council at Harris' ferry, 

Indians at the grave of John Harris, Sr., 

Ice flood, .... 

Insurance companies. 



. 16 

26, 120 

. 37 

51 
. 372 

68 
. 328 



Judges of Dauphin county courts, 
July 4th, sixty-two years ago, 
in 1796, 



85 
113 
116 



ANNAL8 OP HARRISBURG. 



397 



Library Company, at Harrisburg, . 

Lafayette in Harrisbui'g, 
Lancasterian school, . , 

Lutheran Church, . . , . 

German, 
Literary society, German, 
Liederlvrantz, .... 

Ladies' costume, .... 

Letters, list of, . 

Montour, Andrew, letter of, . . 

Morris, Governor, at Harris' Ferry, 

Market houses, their cost, . . . 

Mill-dam troubles at Harrisburg, . 

Mail-carrier, first, from Harrisburg northward, 

Miscellany, .... 

Muster roll of " Cameron Guards," 

Meteoric shower, .... 

Masonic Hall, (Exchange,) 

Methodist Episcopal Church, 

Matron of the olden time, 

Mulberry street graveyard, 

Maclay's swamp, .... 

Newspaper, first, at Harrisburg, . 

Negro for sale, .... 

Ohaf Sholem congregation. 

Odd Fellows, ..... 

0. U. A. M., Fulton Council, 

Old Soldiers' Union, .... 

Presence of mind of John Harris, Sr.'s, wife, 
Penn's city on the Susquehanna, 
Paxtonians retaliate, (Conestoga massacre,) 
Paxton during the Revolution, 
Paxtonians after the enemy, 
Pumpkin flood, .... 

Postmasters of Harrisburg, 
Patriotism of the citizens in 1797, 



115 
171 
183 
276 
290 
308 
810 
363 
864 



. 48 

91 

. 92 

112 
117, 181 

207 
. 194 

255 
. 285 

355 
. 357 

871 

. 104 
113 

. 292 
317 

; 320 
324 

. 20 
22 

. 53 
60 

. 68 

68, 358 

. Ill 

118 



50* 



398 



ANNALS or HARRISBURG 



Public ground, proposed axtension of, to the river 
Penn lock, laying corner-stone of. 
Prison, county, . . 

first, 
Presbyterian Church, 

colored. 
Park Association, . 
Press of Harrisburg, . 
Paxton Church, 
Pond near Market Square, 
Paine's, Tom, letter, burning of, . 
Prison wall, . . . . : 

Eejoicing of the citizens, . 

Eed Men, Sa-os-qua-ha-na-unk Tribe, 

Eailroads and canal. 

Road, first, from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, 

Race-course, river. 

Remarkable horse. Dr. Fenton's, 

Drs. Luther and Hall's, 

John Harris, Jr.'s, . 

River navigation sixty years ago, 
Relics of "olden time," 
Rescue, the, .... 

Smith, Col., letter of, . 

Swindling, curious case of. 

Sickness at Harrisburg, great, 

Susquehanna river, removing obstructions frcm, 

improving navigation of, 

steamboats on, 
Squirrels by the barrel. 

Singular occurrence, ..... 
Sedition law, arrest at Harrisburg, 
Seat of government of Pennsylvania predicted by Harris, 

removal to Harrisburg, 

attempt to remove to Carlisle, 154 

Shakspeare House, • . . . . .168 

Snow storm, great, . . . . . .192 



ANNALS OF HARKISBURG. 



399 



Soutli ward school house, . 
Select schools, 

Sunday School Teachers' Union, . 
Mission, Episcopal, 
Lutheran, 
State Capital brass band, 
Saxonian brass band, 
Sons of Temperance, . 
Sullivan's army, supplies for, 
St. Clair's army, troops for, 
Stone mould, curious. 
Swamp, eastern. 



Threatened murder of friendly Indians at Harris' ferry. 
The enemy inyade Paxton, .... 
Theatre at Harrisburg in 1796, 
Temperance, Daughters of, . 

colored. 
Travelling accommodations sixty years ago, . 

United Brethren Church, .... 
Union communion, ..... 
Union Benevolent Society, .... 
United States Senator, first from Pennsylvania, 



270 
300 
301 
307 
307 
310 
310 
320 
356 
358 
364 
376 

47 
48 
116 
321 
322 
365 

291 
303 
320 
357 



Visit of Lieut, Gov. Evans to Paxton, . , . .17 

Volunteers from Harrisburg during the "Whiskey insurrection," 105 

war of 1812, muster rolls, 155 



Whitefield, Rev. George, at Harris' ferry, . . . .25 

Weiser, Conrad, letter of, , . . . .41 

Wyoming refugees, seek protection at Harris' ferry, . . 65 

Whiskey insurrection. United States troops at Harrisburg, . 104 

attempted, at Harrisburg, . ' . . 362 

Washington, General, in Harrisburg, .... 106 

addresses of the burgesses to, . . 106 

reply of, . . , .107 

where he lodged, .... 109 

death of, proceedings in Harrisburg and 

Middletown, .... 121 



400 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 

Water works, ....... 248 

Wesleyan Union (colored) Cliurcb, . . , ■. 292 

Washington Library, ...... 808 

Wolves near Harrisburg, ..... 864 

Young Men's Christian Association, .... 304 

Home Mission, ..... 305 



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